Recently, to effectively ensure aviation safety, the Civil Aviation Administration issued an emergency notice prohibiting passengers from carrying power banks without a 3C certification, with unclear 3C labels, or those recalled due to model or batch issues on domestic flights starting from June 28.
It is reported that this year, incidents of lithium battery products such as power banks carried by passengers catching fire and emitting smoke on board have occurred frequently. Recently, several leading power bank manufacturers have recalled multiple batches of products due to safety risks in the battery cells. The State Administration for Market Regulation has revoked or suspended the 3C certifications of several power bank and battery cell manufacturers. These developments indicate that power banks carried by passengers pose safety and quality risks, continuously increasing the risks to the safe operation of civil aviation. In response, the Civil Aviation Administration has decided to further implement strict control measures in accordance with the internationally recognized "Technical Instructions for the Safe Air Transport of Dangerous Goods," based on the current policy. Additionally, the administration has required relevant civil aviation entities to strengthen organization, enhance public awareness and communication, conduct strict inspections, improve services, and prepare emergency response measures.
The notice requires airlines and their agents to strengthen warning and publicity efforts regarding incidents of power banks catching fire or emitting smoke, to raise awareness among more passengers about the safety risks and control policies of related products, and actively guide passengers to refrain from carrying non-compliant power banks on board. Airports must make full use of broadcasting, dynamic display screens, and other means to post publicity materials in prominent locations such as security checkpoints and check-in counters, or to add reminder sections, conducting intensive multi-scenario publicity on the safety risks and control policies associated with carrying power banks on board.
The notice emphasized that airport security departments must strengthen the inspection of power banks carried by passengers to prevent unauthorized power banks from being transported. Airlines and airports should deploy additional staff at security checkpoints to provide guidance and explanations to passengers. They must establish designated areas for passengers to discard or temporarily store power banks, clarify the procedures and processes for temporary storage, and facilitate the disposal or storage of power banks. This will enhance passengers' understanding of the policy and their cooperation with the regulations.
The notice stated that all airports should refer to the "Guidelines for the Construction of Portable Electronic Device Charging Facilities in Terminals" to promptly install and maintain charging facilities for passengers in terminals, improve the availability and accessibility of charging equipment, and better meet passengers' charging needs during arrivals and departures.
The notice also requires airlines and airports to enhance the training and management of passenger service staff, ensuring employees are familiar with the safety risks and policies regarding power banks to respond accurately and effectively to passenger inquiries. Additionally, all units must further improve emergency response plans for incidents such as lithium battery fires or smoke emissions, strengthening employees' situational awareness, emergency response capabilities, and collaborative coordination to ensure timely and proper handling of emergencies. (China Civil Aviation News, Reporter Xiao Min)
Source: China Civil Aviation News
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