Officials revise transport rule for batteries, battery-powered devices

Jan 26, 2009

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued a final rule (.pdf file) Jan. 14 outlining requirement revisions for the transport of batteries and battery-powered devices.

According to the rule, revisions to hazardous materials regulations were made to maintain alignment with international standards by incorporating amendments that include changes to proper shipping names, hazard classes and packing groups. PHMSA also states in the ruling that it "clarified the prohibition against transporting electrical devices, including batteries and battery-powered devices, that are likely to create sparks or generate a dangerous amount of heat."

In addition, the agency modified and enhanced requirements for the packaging and handling of batteries and battery-powered devices. The final rule stems from efforts to prevent aircraft fires as the use of battery and battery-powered portable and handheld devices increases. A number of incidents of overheating resulted in business interruption costs or aircraft groundings and emergency landings, PHMSA officials said.

The rule is effective Feb. 13.