The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued a safety advisory about risks associated with the possession and use of battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices—such as e-cigarettes, personal vaporizers, and electronic nicotine delivery systems—in commercial transportation.
The use of battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices has resulted in incidents including explosions, serious personal injuries, and fires, the notice states. FMCSA also points to actions taken by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration to protect against such incidents.
And while federal hazmat and trucking regulations do not specifically address the potential safety risks posed by these devices, carriers and drivers “should be cognizant of the risks ... and exercise good judgment and appropriate discretion” in their possession, storage, and use around commercial vehicles.
Additionally, truck operators should adhere to the smoking prohibitions on, near, or when loading and unloading a motor vehicle transporting hazardous materials in accordance with federal regulations, FMCSA states.
Click here to read the full safety advisory.
