Dear Madam/Sir,
Please find attached hereto an EASA Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) which has already been posted on
our web site and can be viewed at https://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2017-04R1 .
EASA ADs and other Safety Publications are available online at http://ad.easa.europa.eu
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EASA SIB No.: 2017-04R1
Safety Information Bulletin
Operations
SIB No.: 2017-04R1
Issued: 19 December 2017
Subject: Safety Precautions Regarding the Transport by Air of Portable Electronic
Devices containing Lithium Batteries carried by Passengers
Revision:
This SIB revises EASA SIB 2017-04 dated 05 April 2017.
Ref. Publications:
- EASA Safety Information Bulletin (SIB) 2015-28, “Passenger Awareness on the risks of Lithium
Batteries”
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 of 05 October 2012
- International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Document 9284, “Technical Instructions for the
Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air” (hereafter referred to as “ICAO Technical
Instructions”)
- ICAO Document 9481, “Emergency Response Guidance for Aircraft Incidents Involving Dangerous
Goods”
- ICAO Electronic Bulletin EB 2017/23 “Portable Electronic Devices”
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) InFO 17008 “The Transportation of Portable Electronic
Devices (PED) in Checked Baggage”
Applicability:
Aeroplane operators.
Description:
On 05 April 2017, EASA published SIB 2017-04 to alert operators on the risks associated with the
carriage of Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) in the checked baggage, and to recommend
mitigating actions when the carriage of large PEDs in the cabin is prohibited. PEDs containing
lithium batteries carried by passengers should be carried in the passenger cabin, to enable the
crew to react expeditiously in case an incident involving such a PED occurs.
Recent testing1 performed by the FAA showed that if a thermal runaway event occurs to a large
PED carried in a checked baggage together with flammable materials, such as hair spray, there is a
1
https://www.fire.tc.faa.gov/temp/LT_FH/NoVideos_Safe_Transport_of_Laptops.pptx
This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory.
TE.CAP.00117-006 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Page 1 of 2
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EASA SIB No.: 2017-04R1
poor chance that a Class D2 cargo compartment could contain the resulting fire, and a fair to poor
chance that a Class C3 cargo compartment could contain it.
This SIB is recommending a number of precautions that should be observed in order to address
this issue.
At this time, the safety concern described in this SIB does not warrant the issuance of an
operational directive under Regulation (EU) 965/2012, Annex II, ARO.GEN.135(c).
Recommendation(s):
The European Aviation Safety Agency recommends operators to:
Inform passengers that large PEDs should be carried in the passenger cabin whenever possible;
Request passengers to ensure that any large PED that cannot be carried in the passenger cabin
(e.g. due to its size), and therefore has to be carried in checked baggage, is:
- Completely switched off and effectively protected from accidental activation. To ensure the
device is never powered on during its transport, any application, alarm or pre-set
configuration that may activate it shall be disabled or deactivated;
- Protected from the risk of accidental damage by applying suitable packaging or casing or by
being placed in a rigid bag protected by adequate cushioning (e.g. clothing);
- Not carried in the same baggage together with flammable material (e.g. perfumes, aerosols,
etc.);
Make the carriage of large PEDs in checked baggage in Class D cargo compartments subject to
measures effectively mitigating the associated risks.
Furthermore, where carry-on bags are put in the hold (e.g. due to the lack of space) operators are
reminded to ensure that passengers are requested to remove from the bag any spare batteries or
e-cigarettes.
Note: Approved modifications (e.g. Supplemental Type Certificates) are available to upgrade most
Class D cargo compartments to Class C.
Further information on the safe transportation by passengers of lithium batteries is available on
the EASA’s Dangerous Goods web page.
Contact(s):
For further information contact the EASA Safety Information Section, Certification Directorate.
E-mail:
[email protected].
2
A Class D cargo compartment is one in which a fire would be completely contained without endangering the safety of
the aeroplane or the occupants, and without being accessible to crew members. Such compartments depend on
oxygen deprivation to prevent and suppress combustion and on the capability of liners to resist flame penetration.
3
A Class C cargo compartment is one equipped with a smoke or fire detector system and with a fire extinguishing or
suppression system controllable from the cockpit.
This is information only. Recommendations are not mandatory.
TE.CAP.00117-006 © European Aviation Safety Agency. All rights reserved. ISO9001 Certified. Page 2 of 2
Proprietary document. Copies are not controlled. Confirm revision status through the EASA-Internet/Intranet.
An agency of the European Union