The chairman of the federal accident investigations board insists that a more rigid rule must be imposed by the government regarding the handling and shipping of lithium-ion batteries on airplanes. This move will definitely avoid any unwanted accidents like uncontrollable fires and explosions.
According to Chris Hart, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, there should be a separate cargo area for Lithium-ion batteries. These type of batteries should be separated from all other flammable materials on the plane's cargo bay.
Rechargeable batteries are indispensable nowadays, people use them for cell phones, laptops, and all other consumer electric products which are basically a part of our day to day lives. But on the other hand, can cause irreversible damage once a short circuit occurs. This happens when these batteries are packaged incorrectly, defected or exposed to extreme temperature.
During an investigation of the South Korean authorities regarding the destruction of an Asiana Airline cargo plane, they found out that a fire developed inside the plane. Authorities saw two pallets containing lithium-ion batteries and the other one containing flammable liquids closely situated together. Two pilots were killed during this incident
Hart pointed out that close fires like this increase the damage that it creates and, in turn, decreases the flight crew's ability to respond to it. If up on flame, these lithium-ion batteries can go as hot as 1100 degrees which are basically the melting point of aluminum, a material typically used in aircraft frame.
During the 2012 Congress, lawmakers passed a bill prohibiting government agencies to regulate the shipping of lithium-ion batteries, these were due to the request of the battery and consumer electronic industry. But on the other hand, agencies like NTSB and PHMSA can still issue regulations regarding the separation of rechargeable batteries from other flammable materials. The Federal Aviation Administration, however, issued a safety alert urging airlines to conduct risk evaluation regarding the danger of placing of rechargeable batteries on the planes bellies.
