FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 19, 1999
Contact: Patricia Klinger
Tel: 202-366-4831
RSPA: 20-99

U.S. Transportation Secretary Slater
Announces New Restrictions on Carrying
Chemical Oxidizers, Oxygen Aboard Aircraft

U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater today announced new restrictions on the transportation of chemical oxidizers and compressed oxygen aboard aircraft. The new regulations from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) will help minimize the potential severity of a fire aboard an aircraft.

"These regulations are another important step in improving safety, which is President Clinton’s highest transportation priority," Secretary Slater said.

The final rule prohibits the carriage of chemical oxidizers in an inaccessible aircraft cargo compartment that does not have a fire or smoke detection and fire suppression system.

"We must continue to reduce the risks involved in the transportation of hazardous materials to ensure that air travel remains safe for all Americans," said RSPA Administrator Kelley S. Coyner.

Additionally, the new regulations:

• allow a limited number of oxygen cylinders (including a passenger’s medical oxygen) to be carried as cargo in the cabin of passenger aircraft and limit the number of oxygen cylinders that may be carried on aircraft in cargo compartments that do not have a fire or smoke detection and fire suppression system;
• require oxygen cylinders to be placed in a protective outer packaging when transported aboard aircraft; and
• prohibit the transportation of spent generators on all aircraft and the carriage of personal-use generators on passenger aircraft.

The final rule is in today’s Federal Register.

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