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Writer's pictureDeb Carr

CASA's Travel Warning for Smart Phones In Flight



CASA battery warning

A number of years ago my brother who is an international Pilot told me about the dangers of lithium batteries on flights. So with Christmas coming up and many people travelling I thought I'd share a warning from CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) regarding smart phones on flights.

CASA are reminding travellers about the danger of crushing their smart phone during flights. Smart phones can easily fall into between the seats and be crushed when the seat is moved which can then result in damage to the phone's lithium battery and a possibility of overheating and fire.

There have been a growing number of smart phone crushing incidents on aircraft, with nine recent emergency events. Airlines warn that if passengers lose their phone not to move their seat and ask the cabin crew for assistance.

The increasing number of crushed phones on aircraft is being caused by the slim design of smart phones and the risk of fire is higher due to more powerful batteries. Damaged and lost phones have been nominated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority as the biggest dangerous goods safety risk in 2016.

Airline Safety Precautions

  • Lithium batteries and portable power packs come in at number two on the dangerous goods list with passengers still failing to carry spare batteries safely.

  • Spare batteries must never be carried in checked luggage at any time but should be taken on board aircraft in carry-on baggage with the battery terminals protected.

  • Hover boards have made the dangerous goods list for the first time, with passengers still packing the self-balancing scooter in luggage despite widespread warnings. The absence of manufacturing standards for hover boards creates an increased risk of fire.

  • Compressed oxygen also makes the dangerous goods list, with passengers requiring oxygen for medical purposes failing to contact their airline before travelling.

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