Dangerous goods

Dangerous goods that may be carried by passengers and crew

Remember

  • Airlines, security screening agencies and regulatory authorities still have the right to refuse the carriage of certain items. It is best to check with your airline before you fly.
  • New international carry-on baggage limitations apply from from 31 March 2007

Refer to the columns below to see if the items can be carried in your check-in baggage, in your carry on baggage or on your person (in your pockets).

This table is valid from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008

Article Carry-on baggage Check-in baggage Permitted on person
Aerosols in division 2.2 with no subsidiary risk, for sporting or home use. Note international carry-on baggage limitations No Yes No
Non-radioactive medicinal or toilet articles (including aerosols) such as hairsprays, perfumes, colognes, medicines containing alcohol.

Note — The total net quantity of aerosols, toiletries and medicinal articles must not exceed 2 kg or 2 litres, and the net quantity of each single article must not exceed 0.5 kg or 0.5L. Note international carry-on baggage limitations

Note — Release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.		 Yes Yes Yes
Alcoholic beverages when in retail packagings, containing more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol by volume, in receptacles not exceeding 5 Litres, with a total net quantity per person of 5 Litres. Note international carry-on baggage limitations Yes Yes Yes
Fuel cell systems, and spare fuel cartridges powering portable electronic devices (for example camers, cellular phones, laptop computers and camcorders). Note international carry-on baggage limitations
See below for ICAO requirements for carrying on Fuel Cell Systems and Fuel Cell Cartridges		 Yes No No
Hair curlers containing hydrocarbon gas, up to one per person provided that the safety cover is securely fitted over the heating element.

Note — The hair curler must not be used on board the aircraft.

Note — Gas refills for these hair curlers must not be carried.		 Yes Yes No
Lithium, lithium ion cells or other batteries contained in consumer electronic devices i.e. watches, cameras, phones, laptop computers etc when carried for personal use Yes Yes Yes
Lithium or lithium ion batteries — Spare
  • Must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.
  • Lithium metal or lithium alloy batteries must not have a lithium content exceeding 2 grams
  • Lithium ion batteries should not have an aggregate equivalent lithium content exceeding 8 grams. If the aggregate equivalent lithium content is between 8 and 25 grams, then there is a limit of 2 of these batteries per person.
Note – If you are unsure of the lithium content of your batteries, then contact the battery manufacturer or distributor. 		Yes No Yes
Medical or clinical thermometer which contains mercury. Must be for personal use & kept in its protective case. Yes Yes Yes
Non-flammable, non toxic gas cylinders worn for the operation of mechanical limbs. Also spare cylinders of a similar size if required to ensure an adequate supply for the duration of the journey Yes Yes Yes
Radioisotopic cardiac pacemakers or other devices, including those powered by lithium batteries, implanted into a person, or radiopharmaceuticals contained within the body of a person as a result of medical treatment. No No Yes
Safety matches or a lighter containing either liquefied gas or absorbed liquid fuel Note international carry-on baggage limitations

Note — “Strike anywhere” matches, lighter fuel, lighter refills and petrol based lighters without absorbent wadding are not permitted.

Note — From 31 March 2005, these items are not permitted on flights to/from/within the USA or on American registered and operated aircraft. 		No No Yes

Items requiring explicit approval of the airline or aircraft operator

The following items require the explicit approval of the airline or aircraft operator that you are going to fly with. You will need to contact them to find out how they would like you to pack, prepare and carry these items.

This table is valid from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008

Article Carry-on baggage Check-in baggage Permitted on person
Ammunition (cartridges for weapons) which are securely packaged (in Division 1.4S, UN0012 or UN0014 only) in quantities not exceeding 5 kg gross weight per person, for that person’s own use.

Note — Ammunition must not have explosive or incendiary projectiles

Note — Allowances for more than one passenger must not be combined into one or more packages		 No Yes No
Avalanche rescue backpack – One per passenger, equipped with a pyrotechnic trigger mechanism containing less than 200mg net of Division 1.4S and less than 250mg of compressed gas in Division 2.2. The backpack must be packed in such a manner that it cannot be accidentally activated. The airbags within the backpacks must be fitted with pressure relief valves. Yes Yes No
Camping stoves and fuel containers that have contained a flammable liquid fuel. The fuel stove and container must have been emptied and action taken to nullify the danger. Methods which have been suggested by the International Air Transport Association are below. No Yes No
Carbon Dioxide, solid (sometimes called dry ice) – in quantities not exceeding 2.5 kg (5lb) per passenger when used to pack perishables provided the package permits the release of gas.

Note — The airline will also advise on the baggage tags required. 

Note — Explicit operator approval is not required when the dry ice is in carry-on baggage.		 Yes Yes No
Heat producing articles – such as underwater torches and soldering irons. The heat producing component, or the energy source, must be removed to prevent unintentional functioning during transport. Yes No No
Insulated packages containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen (sometimes called a dry shipper). The liquid nitrogen must be fully absorbed in a porous material and intended for transport, at low temperature of non-dangerous products. The design of the packaging must not allow the build up of pressure within the container and must not permit the release of any refrigerated liquid nitrogen irrespective of the orientation of the package. Yes Yes No
Mercury barometers and thermometers carried by Government Officials

Note — The Pilot in Command must be informed		 Yes No No
Non-flammable gas cylinders, fitted in a Lifejacket, containing carbon dioxide or other suitable gas in Division 2.2. Up to two small cylinders per passenger and up to two spare cartridges Yes Yes Yes
Oxygen or air, gaseous, small cylinders, required for medical use.

Note — Airlines usually specify a brand or size of cylinder. 		Yes Yes No
Portable Oxygen Concentrators
See below of guidance in respect of Portable Oxygen Concentrators. Note, the pilot in command must be informed.
 Yes Yes No
Wheelchairs and other battery powered mobility devices with non-spillable batteries. The battery terminals are to be insulated to prevent accidental short circuits and the battery must be securely attached to the wheelchair. If the battery is not a gel-type then it is to be disconnected.

See below for some guidance on how to prepare a spillable battery-powered wheelchair or mobility device.		 No Yes No

Methods to nullify the hazard with camping stoves and fuel tanks

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) have made the following suggestions to nullify the danger from a fuel tank or stove that has contained flammable liquid fuel:
The empty fuel tank or container must be allowed to drain for at least 1 hour. The fuel tank and/or container must then be left uncapped for a minimum of six hours to allow any residual fuel to evaporate. Alternative methods, such as adding cooking oil to the fuel tank and/or container to elevate the flash point of any residual liquid above the flash point of the flammable liquid and then emptying the fuel tank and/or container are equally acceptable. The fuel tank and or container must then have the cap securely fastened and be wrapped in an absorbent material such as paper towel and placed in a polyethylene or equivalent bag. The top of the bag must then be sealed or gathered and closed with an elastic band or twine.

Guidance on how to prepare a spillable battery-powered wheelchair or mobility device

To take wheelchairs or other battery-powered mobility aids with spillable batteries as checked baggage:

Provided that the wheelchair or mobility aid can be loaded, stowed, secured and unloaded always in an upright position and that the battery is disconnected, the battery terminals are protected from short circuits and the battery is securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid.

If the wheelchair or mobility aid cannot be loaded, stowed, secured and unloaded always in an upright position, the battery must be removed and the wheelchair or mobility aid may then be carried as checked baggage without restriction. The removed battery must be carried in strong, rigid packagings as follows:

  • these packagings must be leaktight, impervious to battery fluid and be protected against upset by securing to pallets or by securing them in cargo compartments using appropriate means of securement (other than by bracing with freight or baggage) such as by use of restraining straps, brackets or holders;
  • batteries must be protected against short circuits, secured upright in these packagings and surrounded by compatible absorbent material sufficient to absorb their total liquid contents; and
  • these packagings must be marked “Battery, wet, with wheelchair” or “Battery, wet, with mobility aid” and be labelled with a “Corrosive” label and with a package orientation (This Way Up) label.
  • The pilot-in-command must be informed of the location of a wheelchair or mobility aid with an installed battery or the location of a packed battery.

It is recommended that passengers make advance arrangements with each operator; also unless batteries are non-spillable they should be fitted with spill-resistant vent caps when feasible.

ICAO requirements for carrying on Fuel Cell Systems and Fuel Cell Cartridges

Portable electronic devices (for example cameras, cellular phones, laptop computers, and camcorders) powered by fuel cell systems, and spare fuel cartridges, under the following conditions:
  1. fuel cell cartridges may only contain flammable liquids (including methanol), formic acid and butane;
  2. fuel cell cartridges must comply with International Electrotechnical Commission PAS 62282-6-1 Ed. 1;
  3. fuel cell cartridges must not be refillable by the user. Refuelling of fuel cell systems is not permitted except that the installation of a spare cartridge is allowed. Fuel cell cartridges, which are used to refill fuel cell systems but which are not designed or intended to remain installed (fuel cell refills) are not permitted to be carried;
  4. the maximum quantity of fuel in any fuel cell cartridge must not exceed:
    1. for liquids, 200 mL;
    2. for liquefied gases, 120 mL for non metallic fuel cell cartridges or 200 mL for metal fuel cell cartridges;
  5. each fuel cell cartridge must be marked with a manufacturer's certification that it conforms to IEC PAS 62282-6-1 Ed. 1, and with the maximum quantity and type of fuel in the cartridge;
  6. each fuel cell system must conform to IEC PAS 62282-6-1 Ed. 1, and must be marked with a manufacturer's certification that it conforms to the specification;
  7. no more than two spare fuel cell cartridges may be carried by a passenger;
  8. fuel cell systems containing fuel and fuel cell cartridges including spare cartridges are permitted in carry-on baggage only;
  9. interaction between fuel cells and integrated batteries in a device must conform to IEC PAS 62282-6-1 Ed. 1. Fuel cell systems whose sole function is to charge a battery in the device are not permitted;
  10. fuel cell systems must be of a type that will not charge batteries when the portable electronic device is not in use and must be durably marked by the manufacturer: “APPROVED FOR CARRIAGE IN AIRCRAFT CABIN ONLY” to so indicate; and
  11. in addition to the languages which may be required by the State of Origin for the markings specified above, English should be used.

Portable Oxygen Concentrators

Definition

Portable Oxygen Concentrator means the AirSep LifeStyle, AirSep FreeStyle, Inogen One, SeQual Eclipse, or Respironics EverGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator medical device units as long as those medical device units assist a user of medical oxygen under a doctor's care. These units perform by separating oxygen from nitrogen and other gases contained in ambient air and dispensing it in concentrated form to the user.

Operating Requirements

AirSep LifeStyle, AirSep FreeStyle, Inogen One, SeQual Eclipse, or Respironics EverGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator units are approved for use for carriage and use by a passenger on board an aircraft provided the following conditions are satisfied:

  1. The device does not cause interference with the electrical, navigation or communication equipment on the aircraft on which the device is to be used;
  2. No smoking or open flame is permitted within 10 feet of any seat row where a person is using a portable oxygen concentrator;
  3. During movement on the surface, takeoff, and landing, the unit must:
    1. Either be stowed under the seat in front of the user, or in another approved stowage location, so that it does not block the aisle way or the entryway into the row; or
    2. If it is to be operated by the user, be used only at a seat location that does not restrict any passenger's access to, or use of, any required emergency or regular exit, or the aisle(s) in the passenger compartment;
  4. No person using a portable oxygen concentrator is permitted to sit in an exit row;
  5. The pilot in command must be apprised whenever a passenger brings and intends to use a portable oxygen concentrator on board the aircraft and the pilot in command must be informed about the contents of the physician's written statement including the magnitude and nature of the passenger's oxygen needs;
  6. Whenever the pilot in command turns off the ’Fasten Seat Belt’ sign, or otherwise signifies that permission is granted to move about the passenger cabin, passengers operating their portable oxygen concentrator may continue to operate it while moving about the cabin; and
  7. The user of the portable oxygen concentrator must comply with the following conditions to use the device on board the aircraft:
    1. The user must be capable of hearing the unit's alarms, seeing the alarm light indicators, and have the cognitive ability to take the appropriate action in response to the various caution and warning alarms and alarm light indicators, or be travelling with someone who is capable of performing those functions;
    2. The user must ensure that the portable oxygen concentrator is free of oil, grease or other petroleum products and is in good condition free from damage or other signs of excessive wear or abuse;
    3. The user must inform the aircraft operator that he or she intends to use a portable oxygen concentrator on board the aircraft and must allow the crew of the aircraft to review the contents of the physician's statement. The user must have a written statement, to be kept in that person's possession, signed by a licensed physician that:
      1. states whether the user of the device has the physical and cognitive ability to see, hear, and understand the device's aural and visual cautions and warnings and is able, without assistance, to take the appropriate action in response to those cautions and warnings;
      2. states whether or not oxygen use is medically necessary for all or a portion of the duration of the trip; and
      3. specifies the maximum oxygen flow rate corresponding to the pressure in the cabin of the aircraft under normal operating conditions.
    4. Only lotions or salves that are oxygen approved may be used by persons using the portable oxygen concentrator device;
    5. The user, whose physician statement specifies the duration of oxygen use, must obtain from the aircraft operator, or by other means, the duration of the planned flight. The user must carry on the flight a sufficient number of batteries to power the device for the duration of the oxygen use specified in the user's physician statement, including a conservative estimate of any unanticipated delays; and
    6. The user must ensure that all portable oxygen concentrator batteries carried onboard the aircraft in carry-on baggage are protected from short circuit and are packaged in a manner that protects them from physical damage. Batteries protected from short circuit include: (1) Those designed with recessed battery terminals; or (2) Those packaged so that the battery terminals do not contact metal objects (including the battery terminals of other batteries). When a battery-powered oxygen concentrator is carried onboard aircraft as carry-on baggage and is not intended to be used during the flight, the battery must be removed and packaged separately unless the concentrator contains at least two effective protective features to prevent accidental operation during transport.

Operators should ensure that procedures dealing with the above matters are specified in their operations manual. In relation to items brought on board by passengers, operators should also consider potential dangerous goods implications.

 
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