TRAVEL EXPERT REVEALS THE SIGNS THAT YOUR POWER BANK COULD BE UNSAFE AS EMIRATES BECOMES THE FIRST AIRLINE...
- Lithium-ion batteries in power banks are at risk of overheating and causing fires
Plane passengers are being urged to think twice before packing power banks as major airlines clamp down on their use - while a number of popular carriers opt to ban them entirely.
In recent months, a number of airlines have already put strict rules in place that prohibit passengers from bringing power banks in checked luggage going into the hold.
This is due to the risk of lithium batteries overheating and causing fires in the cargo hold.
If damaged, lithium-ion batteries can create aggressive fires and release highly toxic fumes - a process known as thermal runway.
Giuseppe Capanna, of Electrical Safety First, said 'Lithium-ion batteries can hold a sizable amount of energy in a very small space, and can pose a serious fire risk if they become damaged or are manufactured to a substandard level.'
Following a spate of incidents that have sparked safety concerns, a number of airlines, such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and, most recently, Emirates, have banned the use of power banks on their flights.
Safety experts have now revealed the signs Brits should be aware of that may indicate their power bank may be an increased fire risk.
According to Capanna, the biggest tell-tale sign is if your power bank begins to bulge, swell or change shape.
He said: 'Swollen power banks are a sign of an internal failure and it may mean the device is at serious risk of catching fire, sparking a dangerous process called thermal runaway, where toxic fumes are expelled and a fire occurs.
'If you notice any damage or deformation to your power bank when you’re packing for your holiday abroad, don’t bring the device with you.
'Instead, safely dispose of it as soon as possible at a local recycling centre that has dedicated facilities for electronics and batteries.'
The expert advised passengers to 'always follow airline rules' and to ensure power banks are kept in cabin bags instead instead of checked luggage.
He warned: 'If you spot any signs of damage or deformation while flying, alert airline staff straight away.'
Passengers are further urged to purchase their power banks from reputable high street retailers, stay up-to-date with product recalls and safety notices, and keep devices away from heat sources, such as sunlight, and liquids, such as water.
In June, passengers on an airplane were left terrified after the cabin filled with smoke following an explosion of a power bank just 15 minutes into a flight.
Video footage showed passengers panicking as thick, acrid smoke began billowing out of an overhead locker.
People could be heard shouting at each other, and opening it up to find one passenger's camera battery and power bank smouldering in a locker.
A flight attendant appeared with a small fire extinguisher to put out the fire.
The incident took place on China Southern Airlines flight CZ6850 from Hangzhou to Shenzhen in China on Saturday, May 31.
The pilot of the plane was forced to return to Hangzhou International Airport after the passenger’s power bank ignited shortly after take-off.
Read more- Could your power bank be banned next? Discover why airlines are cracking down on these risky devices.
- Are power banks now a major aviation safety threat, with airlines like Emirates and Singapore Airlines imposing bans?
- Why have Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air banned lithium-based powerbanks on flights amid rising explosion fears?
- Why are airlines sounding the alarm over lithium batteries on flights? Discover how these everyday essentials can morph into mid-air fire hazards!
- Could power bank restrictions on flights spell travel chaos for gadget lovers?
