Interpretation Response #14-0066 ([Council on the Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles, Inc.] [Ms. L’Gena Shaffer])
Below is the interpretation response detail and a list of regulations sections applicable to this response.
Interpretation Response Details
Response Publish Date:
Company Name: Council on the Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles, Inc.
Individual Name: Ms. L’Gena Shaffer
Location State: VA Country: US
View the Interpretation Document
Response text:
May 13, 2013
L’Gena Shaffer
Technical Consultant
Council on the Safe Transportation of Hazardous Articles, Inc.
7803 Hill House Court
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
Ref. No.: 14-0066
Dear Ms. Shaffer:
This is in response to your letter dated April 1, 2014, requesting clarification of the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-180) relating to a lithium ion battery powered wheelchair or other mobility aid carried by aircraft passengers or crewmembers. You request confirmation of your understanding that: 1) the language in § 175.10(a)(17) does not provide a battery size restriction for mobility aids powered by a lithium ion battery; and 2) the language in § 175.10(a)(17)(v) is specific to collapsible mobility aids with removable batteries.
Your understanding of the requirements of § 175.10(a)(17) are generally correct.
In general, § 175.10(a)(17) does not provide a limitation on the size of the lithium ion battery installed in a wheelchair or other mobility aid. When carried by aircraft passengers or crewmembers, a lithium ion battery powered wheelchair or other mobility aid that is not specifically designed to allow its battery to be removed by the user (e.g., not collapsible) must meet the requirements of § 175.10(a)(17)(i) through (iv) and (vi), and must be carried as checked baggage.
However, for a lithium ion battery powered wheelchair or other mobility aid that is specifically designed to allow its battery to be removed by the user (e.g., collapsible), the requirements of § 175.10(a)(17)(i), (v), and (vi) must be met. In this situation, the installed lithium ion battery must be removed from the wheelchair or other mobility aid and the lithium ion battery and any spares must be carried as carry-on baggage. In addition, § 175.10(a)(17)(v)(D) and (E) provide that the installed lithium ion battery must not exceed 25 grams aggregate equivalent lithium content, and a maximum of one spare battery not exceeding 25 grams aggregate equivalent lithium content or two spares not exceeding 13.5 grams aggregate equivalent lithium content each may be carried as carry-on baggage only.
I trust this information is helpful. If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact this office.
Sincerely,
Shane C. Kelley
Acting International Standards Coordinator
Standards and Rulemaking Division
175.10
Regulation Sections
| Section | Subject |
|---|---|
| 175.10 | Exceptions for passengers, crewmembers, and air operators |