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Dangerous Goods

Dangerous goods carried by passengers or crew

Dangerous goods are those articles or substances which are capable of posing a significant risk to health, safety or property when transported by air. Many common items used everyday in the home or workplace may seem harmless but when transported by air can be very dangerous. In flight, variations in temperature and pressure can cause items to leak, generate toxic fumes or start a fire.

In general, dangerous goods are prohibited in luggage or in baggage. There are, however, certain exceptions for personal care, medical needs, sporting equipment, and items to support physically disabled passengers.

The following are those articles that may be carried by passengers on aircraft. The information is also tabulated at the end of the list.

It should be noted that for international travel, some of the items listed, particularly liquids, aerosols and gels, are now subject to more restrictive quantity limitations when carried in carry-on baggage.

If you intend to carry-one or more of the following items that requires the approval of the operator(s), please contact Talofa Airways prior to your intended travel day. Talofa Airways and their agents reserve the right not to accept any particular article for carriage.

Below is a list of Prohibited Items that must not be carried into the aircraft cabin, but that may be carried in checked baggage. This list cannot cover every situation – check with your airline, and do this in advance if possible.

Guns, firearms and other devices that discharge projectiles designed to cause serious injury by discharging a projectile, or capable of being mistaken for such devices, including;

  • firearms of all types, including pistols, revolvers, rifles, shotguns
  • toy guns, replicas and imitation firearms capable of being mistaken for real weapons
  • component parts of firearms (excluding telescopic sights)
  • compressed air and CO2 guns, including pistols, pellet guns, rifles and ball bearing guns
  • signal flare pistols and start pistols
  • bows, crossbows and arrows
  • harpoon guns and spear gun
  • slingshots and catapults.

Stunning devices designed specifically to stun or immobilize, including;

  • devices for shocking, such a stun guns, (eg, tasers) and stun batons
  • animal stunners and animal killers
  • disabling and incapacitating chemicals, gases and sprays, such as mace pepper or capsicum spray, tear gas, acid sprays and animal repellent sprays.

Objects with sharp points or sharp edges capable of being used to cause serious injury, including;

  • items designed for chopping, such as axes, hatchets and cleavers
  • ice axes and ice picks
  • razor blades, box cutters
  • knives with blades of more than 6 cm
  • scissors with blades of more than 6 cm as measured from the fulcrum
  • martial arts equipment with sharp points or sharp edges
  • swords and sabres.

Workers’ tools capable of being used to cause serious injury or to threaten the safety of aircraft, including;

  • crowbars
  • drills, drill bits in excess of 6 cm, and cordless portable power drills
  • tools with blades or shafts more than 6 cm capable of being used as weapons such as screwdrivers, chisels
  • saws including cordless power saws
  • blow torches
  • bolt guns and nail guns.

Blunt instruments capable of being used to cause serious injury when used to hit, including;

  • baseball, softball and cricket bats
  • didgeridoos
  • clubs and batons, including billy clubs, blackjacks and nightsticks
  • martial arts equipment.

Explosives and incendiary substances and devices capable of being used to cause serious injury or threatening the safety of aircraft, including;

  • ammunition
  • blasting caps
  • detonators and fuses
  • replica or imitation explosive devices
  • mines, grenades and other explosive military stores
  • pyrotechnics, including fireworks
  • smoke generating canisters or cartridges
  • dynamite, gunpowder and plastic explosives

Provisions for dangerous goods carried by passengers or crew

Security type equipment such as diplomat cases, cash boxes, cash bags, etc., incorporating dangerous goods, for example lithium batteries or pyrotechnic material, are totally forbidden. Personal medical oxygen devices that utilize liquid oxygen are prohibited either as or in carry-on baggage or checked baggage or on the person.

  1. With the approval of the operator(s), small gaseous oxygen or air cylinders required for medical use. Each cylinder must not exceed 5 kg gross mass. Cylinders, valves and regulators, where fitted, must be protected from damage which could cause inadvertent release of the contents;

    Note  — Devices containing liquid oxygen are forbidden as or in carry-on baggage, checked baggage or on the person.

  2. Cylinders of a gas of Division 2.2 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;

  3. Non-radioactive medicinal articles (including aerosols). The total net quantity of each single article must not exceed 0.5 kg or 0.5 L. Release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.

    The total net quantity of all articles mentioned in c), h) and k) must not exceed 2 kg or 2 L (e.g. four aerosol cans of 500 mL each) for each person.

  4. Radioisotopic cardiac pacemakers or other devices, including those powered by lithium batteries, implanted into a person, or radio-pharmaceuticals contained within the body of a person as the result of medical treatment;

  5. With the approval of the operator(s), battery powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility aids with non-spillable batteries, which comply with Special Provision A67 or the vibration and pressure differential tests of Packing Instruction 872, for use by passengers whose mobility is restricted by either a disability, their health or age, or a temporary mobility problem (e.g. broken leg), as checked baggage provided the battery terminals are protected from short circuits (e.g. by being enclosed within a battery container) and the battery is securely attached to the wheelchair or mobility aid.

    It is recommended that passengers make advance arrangements with each operator;

  6. With the approval of the operator(s), battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility aids with spillable batteries, for use by passengers whose mobility is restricted by either a disability, their health or age, or a temporary mobility problem (e.g. broken leg), 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 terminals are protected from short circuits (e.g. by being enclosed within a battery container) 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 packaging as follows:

    • the packaging must be leak-tight and impervious to battery fluid;
    • batteries must be protected against short circuits, secured upright in the packaging and surrounded by compatible absorbent material sufficient to absorb their total liquid contents; and
    • the packaging 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 label.

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

  7. With the approval of the operator(s), lithium-ion battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility aids for use by passengers whose mobility is restricted by either a disability, their health or age, or a temporary mobility problem (e.g. broken leg), subject to the following conditions:

    • the batteries must be of a type which meets the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3;
    • battery terminals must be protected from short circuits (e.g. by being enclosed within a battery container) and securely attached to the mobility aid;

    It is recommended that passengers make advance arrangements with each operator. 3

  8. With the approval of the operator(s), portable medical electronic devices (Automated External Defibrilators (AED), Nebulizer, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), etc.) containing lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries carried by passengers for medical use. No more than two spare batteries may be carried. Spare batteries must be individually protected so as to prevent short circuits (by placement in original retail packaging or by otherwise insulating terminals, e.g. by taping over exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch) and carried in carry-on baggage only. Each installed or spare battery must be of a type which meets the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3;

    In addition, each installed or spare battery must not exceed the following:

    • for lithium metal batteries, a lithium content of not more than 8 grams; or
    • for lithium ion batteries, a watt-hour rating of not more than 160 Wh.
  9. One small medical or clinical thermometer which contains mercury, for personal use, when in its protective case;

  1. toiletry articles (including aerosols). The term “toiletry articles (including aerosols)” is intended to include such items as hair sprays, perfumes and colognes. The total net quantity of each single article must not exceed 0.5 kg or 0.5 L.

    • Release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.
    • The total net quantity of all articles mentioned in c), h) and k) must not exceed 2 kg or 2 L (e.g. four aerosol cans of 500 mL each) for each person.
  2. Hair curlers containing hydrocarbon gas, no more than one per person, provided that the safety cover is securely fitted over the heating element. Gas refills for such curlers must not be carried;
  1. When in retail packagings, alcoholic beverages containing more than 24 per cent but not more than 70 per cent alcohol by volume, in receptacles not exceeding 5 L, with a total net quantity per person of 5 L for such beverages.

    Note.— Alcoholic beverages containing not more than 24 per cent alcohol by volume are not subject to any restrictions.

  2. Aerosols in Division 2.2, with no subsidiary risk, for sporting or home use is permitted in checked baggage only. The total net quantity of each single article must not exceed 0.5 kg or 0.5 L. Release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.

    The total net quantity of all articles mentioned in c), h) and k) must not exceed 2 kg or 2 L (e.g. four aerosol cans of 500 mL each) for each person.

  3. With the approval of the operator(s), as checked baggage only, securely packaged cartridges (UN 0012 or UN 0014 only), in Division 1.4S, in quantities not exceeding 5 kg gross mass per person for that person’s own use, excluding ammunition with explosive or incendiary projectiles. Allowances for more than one person must not be combined into one or more packages;

  4. One small packet of safety matches or a cigarette lighter that does not contain unabsorbed liquid fuel (other than liquefied gas), intended for use by an individual when carried on the person. Matches and lighters are not permitted in checked or carry-on baggage. Lighter fuel and lighter refills are not permitted on one’s person, in carry-on or checked baggage;

    Note.— “Strike anywhere” matches are forbidden for air transport.

  5. with the approval of the operator(s), battery-powered equipment capable of generating extreme heat, which could cause a fire if activated (e.g. underwater high intensity lamps) providing that the heat producing component or the battery is packed separately so as to prevent activation during transport. Any battery which has been removed must be protected against short circuit;

  6. with the approval of the operator(s), one avalanche rescue backpack per person equipped with a pyrotechnic trigger mechanism containing not more than 200 mg net of Division 1.4S and a cylinder of compressed gas of Division 2.2 not exceeding 250 mL. The backpack must be packed in such a manner that it cannot be accidentally activated. The airbags within the backpack must be fitted with pressure relief valves;

  7. with the approval of the operator(s), no more than two small cylinders of carbon dioxide or another suitable gas in Division 2.2, per person, fitted into a self-inflating life-jacket for inflation purposes, plus no more than two spare cartridges;

  8. portable electronic devices (watches, calculating machines, cameras, cellular phones, laptop computers, camcorders, etc.) containing lithium or lithium ion cells or batteries when carried by passengers or crew for personal use, which should be carried as carry-on baggage. Spare batteries must be individually protected so as to prevent short circuits (by placement in original retail packaging or by otherwise insulating terminals, e.g. by taping over exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch) and carried in carry-on baggage only. In addition, each installed or spare battery must not exceed the following:

    • for lithium metal or lithium alloy batteries, a lithium content of not more than 2 grams; or
    • for lithium ion batteries, a watt-hour rating of not more than 100 Wh.

    With the approval of the operator, lithium ion batteries exceeding a watt-hour rating of 100 Wh but not exceeding 160 Wh may be carried as spare batteries in carry-on baggage or in equipment in either checked or carry-on baggage.

    No more than two individually protected spare batteries per person may be carried.

  9. fuel cell systems used to power portable electronic devices (for example cameras, cellular phones, laptop computers and camcorders) and spare fuel cartridges, under the following conditions:

    • fuel cells or fuel cell cartridges may only contain flammable liquids, corrosive substances, liquefied flammable gas, water reactive substances or hydrogen in metal hydride;
    • refuelling of fuel cells on board an aircraft is not permitted except that the installation of a spare cartridge is allowed;
    • the maximum quantity of fuel in any fuel cell or fuel cell cartridge must not exceed:
      • for liquids 200 mL;
      • for solids 200 grams;
      • for liquefied gases, 120 mL for non-metallic fuel cells or fuel cell cartridges or 200 mL for metal fuel cells or fuel cell cartridges;
    • For hydrogen in metal hydride, the fuel cell cartridges must have a water capacity of 120 mL or less;

    • each fuel cell and each fuel cell cartridge 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. In addition, each fuel cell cartridge must be marked with the maximum quantity and type of fuel in the cartridge;

    • fuel cell cartridges containing hydrogen in metal hydride must comply with the requirements in Special Provision A162.

    • no more than two spare fuel cell cartridges may be carried by a passenger as follows;

      • fuel cell cartridges containing flammable liquids, corrosive substances, liquefied flammable gas or hydrogen in metal hydride in carry-on baggage, in checked baggage or on the person; and
      • fuel cell cartridges containing water-reactive substances in carry-on baggage or on the person;
    • fuel cells containing fuel are permitted in carry-on baggage only;

    • 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;

    • 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

    • in addition to the languages which may be required by the State of Origin for the markings specified above, English should be used.

  10. with the approval of the operator, dry ice in quantities not exceeding 2.5 kg per person, when used to pack perishables that are not subject to these Instructions, provided the package permits the release of carbon dioxide gas. When carried in checked baggage, each package must be marked:

    • “DRY ICE” or “CARBON DIOXIDE, SOLID”; and
    • with the net weight of dry ice or an indication that the net weight is 2.5 kg or less;
  11. With the approval of the operator(s), as carry-on baggage only, a mercurial barometer or mercurial thermometer carried by a representative of a government weather bureau or similar official agency. The barometer or thermometer must be packed in a strong outer packaging, having a sealed inner liner or a bag of strong leakproof and puncture-resistant material impervious to mercury, which will prevent the escape of mercury from the package irrespective of its position.

  12. With the approval of the operator(s), as carry-on or checked baggage, instruments containing radioactive material not exceeding the activity limits specified in Table 2-15 (i.e. chemical agent monitor (CAM) and/or rapid alarm and identification device monitor (RAID-M)), securely packed and without lithium batteries, when carried by staff members of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on official travel.

  13. Energy efficient light bulbs when in retail packaging intended for personal or home use.

  1. With the approval of the operator(s), security type equipment such as attaché cases, cash boxes, cash bags, etc. incorporating dangerous goods as part of this equipment, for example lithium batteries or pyrotechnic material, may be carried as checked baggage only if the equipment complies with the following:

    • * the equipment must be equipped with an effective means of preventing accidental activation;
    • * if the equipment contains an explosive or pyrotechnic substance or an explosive article, this article or substance must be excluded from Class 1 by the appropriate national authority of the State of Manufacture;
    • * if the equipment contains lithium cells or batteries, these cells or batteries must comply with the following restrictions:
    • * for a lithium metal cell, the lithium content is not more than 1 g;
    • * for a lithium metal or lithium alloy battery, the aggregate lithium content is not more than 2 g;
    • * for lithium ion cells, the Watt-hour rating is not more than 20 Wh;
    • * for lithium ion batteries, the Watt-hour rating is not more than 100 Wh;
    • * each cell or battery is of the type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, section 38.3;
  2. If the equipment contains gases to expel dye or ink, only gas cartridges and receptacles, small, containing gas with a capacity not exceeding 50 mL, containing no constituents subject to these Instructions other than a Division 2.2 gas, are allowed. The release of gas must not cause extreme annoyance or discomfort to crew members so as to prevent the correct performance of assigned duties. In case of accidental activation, all hazardous effects must be confined within the equipment and must not produce extreme noise.

  3. Security type equipment that is defective or that has been damaged is forbidden for transport.

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