> > A couple of my clients have struck trouble recently, being prevented
> > from taking sealed lead acid batteries on planes, either installed in
> > equipment or stand alone.
>=20
> Properly labelled VRLA batteries are IATA exempt under IATA special
> provision A67.
>=20
> Note that batteries in equipment appear to not be covered by that exempti=
on.
> I have somewhere an IATA chart that lists hazard type, where it may be
> carried if at all, and who needs to be notified if at all (cabin staff/
> pilot/airline etc). I can probably locate it if required, but see below.

Thanks Russell, very helpful~! Thanks Charles too.

I've since found a good overview on shipping for all types of batteries her=
e, with=20
pictures:-

http://fedex.com/us/services/pdf/PKG_ShippingBatteries.pdf

Section on Nonspillable batteries tells me what I wanted to hear, reinforce=
s=20
comments so far.

>From my general research it's not entirely clear which batteries need to b=
e=20
disconnected from the equipment they are in and terminals insulated (for ex=
ample=20
an electric wheelchair may be exempt). But it would seem to be good practic=
e to do=20
so anyway. Airlines are not obliged to follow the IATA rules, they could in=
terpret=20
things differently and they may impose their own restrictions - possibly mo=
re=20
stringent.

I'll recommend my customer supplies the battery for his product in a wooden=
 case=20
with appropriate "Non spillable battery" marking plus IATA Special Provisio=
n A67,=20
plus a bunch of paperwork to reinforce this (battery spec sheet/materials h=
andling=20
sheet with appropriate sections highlighted etc). Each time the equipment i=
s to be=20
transported the battery will be removed and will travel in it's protective =
case. And=20
where possible, check ahead with the airline, even getting a letter of appr=
oval from=20
them or similar.

Brent.
--=20
Brent Brown, Electronic Design Solutions
16 English Street, St Andrews,
Hamilton 3200, New Zealand
Ph: +64 7 849 0069
Fax: +64 7 849 0071
Cell: +64 27 433 4069
eMail:  brent.brown@clear.net.nz


--=20
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