Insulation Tape to Replace Plastic Bags for Battery Safety on Flights
Temperature-Sensitive Stickers and Enhanced Crew Training
Ministry to Strengthen International Standards and Minimize Passenger Inconvenience
Starting from September 1, insulation tape will be provided to prevent battery fires when boarding airplanes. Previously, plastic bags were used, but due to ongoing concerns about environmental pollution, this measure has been changed. Stickers that change color when a certain temperature threshold is reached will also be placed on overhead bins in the cabin.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced that it will supplement and implement these portable battery in-flight safety management measures beginning September 1. The ministry has been enforcing related measures since March this year and has now made some improvements. Existing restrictions, such as allowing passengers to carry up to five batteries with a capacity of 100Wh or less, will remain in place.
At the Korean Air check-in counter of Terminal 2 at Incheon International Airport, an official is placing a sticker on a portable battery and then putting it into a plastic bag. Photo by Yonhap News
To prevent short circuits, which are cited as a major cause of battery fires, insulation tape will mainly be used. However, passengers are still allowed to use other methods, such as plastic bags, to prevent short circuits on their own. All domestic airlines will be required to equip at least two isolation storage bags on every aircraft. This measure is intended to immediately contain batteries or electronic devices that catch fire, thereby preventing secondary damage.
Temperature-sensitive stickers will also be gradually introduced starting September 1. If the temperature inside the overhead bin rises, the color of the sticker will change. The government expects that this will help crew members or passengers detect issues early and respond quickly.
Additionally, the government will strengthen fire suppression training for cabin crew by simulating in-flight fire situations and will revise related training manuals. From the moment passengers board and during movement within the cabin, designated crew members for each area will provide enhanced guidance, such as prohibiting storage in overhead bins. The government also plans to continue discussions on strengthening international standards through the upcoming ICAO Assembly in September and other venues.
Yoo Kyungsoo, Director of Aviation Safety Policy at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, stated, "These supplementary measures are designed to minimize passenger inconvenience while improving in-flight fire risk management and response. We will continue to gather feedback from various perspectives to further enhance the effectiveness of these measures as we monitor their implementation."
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