FMCSA issues safety advisory for e-cigarettes in Commercial Vehicles

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a safety advisory to owners and operators of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) regarding incidents relating to the use of battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes) that include explosions, serious personal injuries, and fires.

The noted incidents involved the ejection of a burning battery, case or other components from the device which subsequently ignited nearby flammable or combustible materials. Potential risks may also include the distraction of an operator affected by a burning or overheated device. Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations do not specifically address the potential safety risks posed by battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices. However, the FMCSA said that motor carriers and drivers should be aware of the risks associated with these devices, and use good judgment in the possession, storage, charging and use or the devices while being near or operating a CMV. The FMCSA also noted to adhere to the smoking prohibitions on, near, or when loading and unloading a motor vehicle transporting hazardous materials in accordance with 49 CFR 177.834(c) and 397.13.

This is an informational advisory only.