Lithium Battery fire and overheating conditions
Our safety specialists discuss
"Laptop battery fire forces United flight to land hospitalizes 4"
- The Washington Post, 7th February 2023
What do you do...
When a lithium battery fire and overheating conditions occur on an aircraft?
What are the 10 QUESTIONS to CONSIDER
When an Airline or Charter operator is mapping their first line of defence:
- STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE – Does your airline have robust Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to counter a lithium battery fire or overheating condition on board an aircraft?
- ADEQUATE TRAINING – Are your flight deck and cabin crew appropriately trained?
- FLIGHT DECK CREW – If you are a non-scheduled/charter operator without cabin crew, what procedures will the flight deck crew follow to manage a lithium battery fire or thermal overheating on board the aircraft?
- SINGLE PILOT – If it is a single pilot operation, what procedures will the pilot follow to manage the situation?
- FIRST ACTION – What are your first actions in the event of an overheating lithium battery?
- FAA-RECOMMENDED STEPS – What are the two FAA-recommended steps to follow in the event of a lithium battery fire?
- BEST TYPE OF EXTINGUISHER – What is the best type of extinguisher to use for a lithium battery fire – halon, water, or both types?
- COVER – May I cover the overheating battery/device with a blanket or put it in a bucket of ice to cool it down?
- WHEN – When do I put the battery/device in a burn bag? While it is smoking hot or after I have cooled it down?
- DANGEROUS GOODS – Is your crew aware of the provisions for dangerous goods carried by passengers or crew as documented in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations table 2.3.A?