Some of the most common plane travel objects may pose serious risks to the safety of air passengers. Recent incidents have warned of the fire potential caused by these items, leading several airlines to review their transport and use rules during flights.
Changes in airline rules
According to recent information, released by HuffPost, after a fire on an Air Busan flight that has been caused by a lithium -ion battery, several airlines are adjusting their rules for the transportation of these devices.
Although it is allowed to take these appliances on board, the same source states that some companies, such as Singapore Airlines, Eva Air and Thai Airways, now restrict their use during the flight.
Others, including Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Korean Air, require these devices to be stored exclusively in hand baggage, such as in the seat pocket ahead or under the seat, not in the upper compartments.
Why these devices are so used and the dangers involved
According to David Klanecky, battery recycling expert, lithium -ion batteries used in these devices provide a lot of energy in small shapes and quickly recharge, which explains their popularity.
According to HuffPost, these batteries are present not only in these devices, but also in smart watches, incorporated chargers, electric toothbrushes, game consoles and even children’s toys. Its lightness and recharge ability make them very practical for daily use.
However, according to the same source, these batteries may have serious risks. Benjamin Lee, an engineering teacher, explained that overloads, excessive warming or defects can trigger an uncontrolled chemical reaction called “thermal escape”.
This reaction causes the rapid increase in temperature and may lead to short circuits, release of flammable gases and even fires or explosions.
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The specific risk of the fires caused by these batteries
As Professor Lee said, the fires caused by these batteries are particularly dangerous because the batteries themselves produce oxygen, which feeds fire and makes it difficult to combat. Conventional techniques, such as drowning the flame to cut oxygen, do not work in these cases.
This situation, as the same source refers, becomes even more severe if the fire happens inside a plane, where access and the means to erase it are limited.
Recommended care during travel and the use of these devices
According to David Klanecky, airlines ask lithium -ion batteries to be transported in the hand luggage so that, in the event of an incident, the crew may quickly act. If a battery enters thermal escape in the basement basement, the problem may go unnoticed and cause serious accidents.
In addition, according to HuffPost, it is essential to avoid using damaged batteries or devices, which are more likely to cause short circuits and fires. Evan Jones, from the Electric Safety Foundation, advises to discard batteries that show signs such as swelling, strange smell, noise or escapes. Batteries that warm excessively or lose load quickly should be eliminated.
Counterfeit products increase risks
Increasing incidents, as the same source refers, may be linked to the growth of counterfeit products in the market. Non -certified products may not include necessary safety mechanisms, increasing the risk of serious failures.
It recommends that you get certified devices and buy them in trusted establishments. In addition, out -of -use batteries should be delivered in appropriate recycling places, as inappropriate disposal can cause fires in waste collection systems.
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