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The Portable Rechargeable Battery Association Supports Transportation Department’s Advisory on Battery Safety

March 2007

The Portable Rechargeable Battery Association supports the U.S. Department of Transportation’s safety advisory on the use and packaging of batteries and battery-powered consumer products, such as laptop computers, cell phones, iPods, Blackberries and DVD players, carried aboard an aircraft.

“The Transportation Department’s advisory emphasizes the appropriate safeguards that passengers should take to minimize the risk of a battery-related incident aboard an aircraft,” PRBA Executive Director George Kerchner said. “Existing federal regulations already require that batteries and battery-powered products carried aboard an aircraft be properly packaged and protected. Today’s DOT advisory explains the steps consumers should take to comply with those regulations.”

Kerchner also urged air travelers to visit DOT’s new website at http://safetravel.dot.gov for information and tips about traveling with batteries and battery-powered consumer products.

The DOT website states that it is safe to fly with laptops, cell phones, cameras, and other battery-powered devices. Batteries should remain in these devices and the products carried on board, not checked as luggage. If a passenger does check consumer electronic products, these devices should be packaged properly to prevent accidental activation, according to the website.

According to the DOT, if passengers are traveling with spare batteries, they should:

Keep spare batteries in the original packaging. If the original packaging is unavailable, insulate the battery terminals by isolating all batteries from any contact with other batteries or metal. Place each battery in a separate package and do not allow a loose battery to come into contact metal objects such as coins, keys or jewelry.
Place tape across a loose battery’s contacts to isolate terminals, which will prevent short-circuiting.
Use only chargers designed for your type of batteries and if you are uncertain about compatibility, contact the product manufacturer.
Purchase batteries only from a reliable source and do not carry recalled or damaged batteries aboard the plane.
Avoid crushing, puncturing, and overheating batteries and don’t bump or drop your battery-powered devices.

“PRBA supports the DOT recommendations and is heartened by its conclusions that if passengers take the proper precautions, it is safe to fly with both batteries and battery—powered products,” Kerchner said. “PRBA’s analysis of government research data indicates that many of the extremely rare battery-related incidents could have been avoided if passengers had followed the appropriate safety precautions,” he added. “PRBA hopes the publication of the DOT advisory and the widest possible communication about its recommendations will reduce the number of incidents on aircraft and enhance the safety of airline passengers.”

The members of PRBA power the consumer electronics revolution. We deliver a safe, efficient, and essential power source for notebook computers, cell phones, power tools, PDAs, MP3 players and other cordless devices. PRBA members produce more than half of the world’s lithium-ion cells and account for billions of dollars in annual worldwide sales. With more than 70 members, PRBA is widely recognized as the nation’s authoritative source for information on portable rechargeable batteries. Visit PRBA online at www.PRBA.org .

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For immediate release June 14, 2007

Contact information:
John Moore: 202.448.9295

Summer Safety Tips

The Portable Rechargeable Battery Association Promotes the Safe Use
of Batteries and Battery-Powered Notebooks, Cellular Phones and Other Products

Washington, D.C.—During the summer travel season, consumers and travelers should take steps to enhance the safe use of batteries and battery-powered products, the Portable Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA) said today.

PRBA Executive Director George Kerchner noted that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) have issued safety tips and guidelines for consumers. "PRBA has strongly endorsed both the CPSC recommendations and the DOT safety advisory," Kerchner said. "Even the minimal risks associated with batteries and battery-powered consumer electronic products are dramatically reduced if the government-recommended safety procedures are followed," added Kerchner.

Last fall, the CPSC offered the following safety tips for battery-powered laptop computers:

Do not use your computer on soft surfaces, such as a sofa, bed or carpet, because it can restrict airflow and cause overheating.
Do not use incompatible computer batteries and chargers. If unsure about whether a replacement battery or charger is compatible, contact the product manufacturer.
Do not use your computer on your lap because computers can get hot during normal use.
Do not permit a loose battery to come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys or jewelry.
Do not crush, puncture or put a high degree of pressure on the battery because pressure can cause an internal short-circuit, resulting in overheating.
Avoid dropping or bumping the computer. Dropping a laptop on a hard surface can cause damage to the computer and battery. If you suspect damage contact the manufacturer.
Do not place the computer in areas that may get extremely hot.
Do not get your computer or battery wet. Even though they will dry and appear to operate normally, the circuitry could slowly corrode and pose a safety hazard.
Follow battery usage, storage and charging guidelines found in the user’s guide.
For additional information, go to: http://www.cpsc./cpscpub/prerel/prhtm106/06271.hml

In March, DOT’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued a safety advisory focused on the safe transportation of batteries and battery-powered devices by airline passengers and crew. "Portable battery-powered devices and batteries are safe for transportation when packed properly," noted the DOT advisory. Passengers, the advisory added, should:

Keep spare batteries in their original retail packaging
Keep loose batteries covered with insulating tapes to protect them against contact with metal objects
Place each battery in its own protective case, plastic bag, or package
Pack spare batteries in carry-on luggage, not checked bags
Use only chargers designed for the specific battery
Take steps to prevent crushing or puncturing of batteries
For more information, go http://safetravel.dot.gov

"PRBA has urged consumers and travelers to follow these government guidelines," Kerchner emphasized. "These recommendations and procedures will help minimize the risk of battery-related incidents this summer," he added.

About PRBA

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For Immediate Release June 8, 2007

Contact: W. John Moore
202.448.9295

Lithium-Ion Batteries Facing Increased Regulatory Scrutiny,
PRBA Executive Director George Kerchner
Says in Speech at Battery Power 2007

Denver—Manufacturers and users of lithium-ion batteries face heightened scrutiny by federal and international regulators as demand and use of these batteries continue to expand, George Kerchner, Executive Director of the Portable Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA), told the 300 attendees at the Battery Power 2007 meeting here. PRBA and its members are leading the effort to address the concerns voiced by the regulators and the news media, Kerchner added.

"PRBA’s goal is to ensure that both U.S. and international regulatory authorities understand that unnecessary and overly burdensome regulations will inhibit innovation and advancements in lithium-ion technologies," Kerchner said in the featured presentation at Battery Power 2007. At least 19 different agencies and organizations—including the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Consumer Products Safety Commission and the U.S. Postal Service to China’s Civil Aviation Authority, International Civil Aviation Organization, and several standards organizations (UL, IEEE, IEC)—are working to address lithium-ion battery issues, he added.

Kerchner singled out for praise the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Enterprise Government initiative, a joint effort by government and industry to identify and resolve key issues. DOT and the lithium-ion battery industry are working on comprehensive reporting and investigation of battery-related incidents, the development of technical standards, the promulgation and implementation of new regulations, and public outreach and education campaigns.

"This effort reflects the understanding by both industry and government that optimal results are best obtained through cooperation," Kerchner said.

In his June 6 speech, Kerchner also provided an update on the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into the February 2006 UPS plane incident, detailed various battery-regulatory proposals, and highlighted key initiatives over the next fifteen months that will address standards-setting issues.

Battery Power 2007 is the fifth annual battery industry event that traditionally focuses on the latest innovations in portable, stationary and automotive applications. The event also presents the latest in industry trends and market forecasts.

About PRBA

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Immediate Release May 31, 2007

Contact: W. John Moore
202.448.9295

PRBA, Industry Experts Update Regulators on Battery Standards

Washington, DC—More than 80 representatives from government, industry and trade associations attended a recently concluded two-day meeting on lithium-ion battery standards and transport regulations hosted by the Portable Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Attendees at the May 24-25 conference held near Dulles International Airport in Herndon, Va., included executives from the battery and consumer electronics industries as well as representatives from the Consumer Products Safety Commission, the National Transportation Safety Board, the Air Transport Association, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and Boeing Corp.

During the meetings, industry experts updated regulators on the lithium-ion battery industry’s commitment to improving battery testing and standards. Representatives from key standards-setting organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) provided information on their ongoing standards work.

Also, officials from the Battery Association of Japan explained recent research initiatives, including the Safe Use Manual for Lithium Ion Rechargeable Batteries in Notebook Computers, which the BAJ and the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association recently published, and a new internal short circuit test for lithium-ion cells.

The meetings provided DOT regulators and the Air Line Pilots Association executives an opportunity to discuss their concerns about regulations that govern the transport of lithium-ion cells and batteries and to preview the upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization meeting, where proposals to change these regulations are expected to be discussed.

"The meeting was successful because the lithium-ion battery industry used the event to delineate to a broad audience those steps the industry is taking to improve lithium-ion battery standards," said PRBA Executive Director George Kerchner. "PRBA and its members will continue to play a leading role facilitating the standards setting process for lithium-ion cells and batteries and representing the industry at international forums, where the regulations governing the transport of these products are drafted."

For more information on these and other issues affecting the portable rechargeable battery and electronic industries, contact George Kerchner at 202.719.4978 or gkerchner@prba.org.

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