How can aviation safety regulations be improved to address risks from personal electronic devices onboard flights?
The DGCA is reviewing a recent incident where a power bank caught fire on a flight. I want to understand what challenges regulators face in ensuring passenger safety with the increasing use of electronic devices and how these can be addressed.
With the widespread use of personal electronic devices (PEDs) such as smartphones, laptops, and power banks by passengers, aviation safety regulators face new challenges. Incidents like power bank fires highlight the risks posed by lithium-ion batteries, which can overheat or catch fire. Improving regulations is essential to ensure passenger safety in this changing environment.
- Stricter Standards for Devices: Mandate that only certified and tested batteries and power banks are allowed onboard. Enforce international safety standards for PEDs carried by passengers.
- Clear Guidelines on Carriage: Update and widely publicize rules on carrying PEDs, especially lithium-ion batteries. Specify limits on capacity (watt-hour rating) and quantity allowed in cabin and checked baggage.
- Enhanced Screening Procedures: Train security staff to better identify unsafe or counterfeit devices during security checks. Use technology to detect battery defects or overheating risks.
- Passenger Awareness: Launch awareness campaigns to educate passengers about safe handling, charging, and storage of electronic devices during flights.
- In-flight Protocols: Standardize procedures for cabin crew to quickly respond to battery fires, including availability of fire containment bags and training in handling thermal runaway incidents.
- Collaboration with Manufacturers: Work with device manufacturers to improve battery safety, provide clear labeling, and develop safer battery chemistries.
- Regular Review and Update of Regulations: Continuously monitor technological advancements and incident data to update safety regulations as needed.
Answered
2 days ago