New transponder addresses lithium issue

The latest restrictions in the air cargo transport of lithium batteries have raised a number of compliance problems for electronic goods manufacturers. So much so that one of these, SA’s Trolley Scan, has had to completely redesign and rebuild its range of transponders. According to MD Mike Marsh, the original International Air Transport Association (Iata)/International Civil Aviation Organisation (Icao) lithium battery restrictions excluded very small batteries. But from April 1 this year, the rulings added these “button batteries”. “Since then it has become extremely difficult to airfreight any electronic item that contains any form of battery,” he told FTW. “And remember that these are long-life but very small watch batteries that are built inside the transponders in manufacture to power up the devices for five years.” But now, Marsh added, any battery that uses lithium is marked for special attention and regarded as a hazardous cargo, and is not allowed in some countries (like the US) to be shipped on an aircraft that carries passengers. “And, with the goods being classified as hazardous cargo, the shipping costs are much higher than normal.” So Trolley Scan has redesigned the batteryassisted transponders in its product range to allow access to the batteries from outside the transponder. Said Marsh: “This is not an ideal solution as the waterproofing of the transponder has been compromised but it does allow the equipment to be delivered.” INSERT & CAPTION Trolley Scan has redesigned the battery-assisted transponders in its product range. – Mike Marsh