Experts warn of battery danger to flights

Air passengers have been urged to take proper care with batteries and battery-powered devices when flying.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has advised that batteries and other devices which are inadequately packed can result in fires breaking out, as evidenced by recent incidents at airports and onboard aircraft.

It states that while batteries that are installed in products such as laptops and mobile phones are relatively safe, loose batteries or accidentally activated devices can pose a significant danger.

"Passengers can take some simple steps while packing their bags to ensure that their batteries and equipment are carried safely," commented Geoff Leach, manager of the CAA's dangerous goods office.

Travellers should make sure loose batteries are kept in their original packaging or insulated so that they cannot touch other metal objects, the CAA advises.

They should also be packed in hand luggage so that any fire incidents can be easily detected. Passengers should also refrain from carrying counterfeit batteries or those recalled by the manufacturer.

Despite these warnings, recent figures from the International Air Transport Association showed that 2006 was the safest year on record for the aviation sector.

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