FMCSA Issues Safety Advisory on Electronic Smoking Devices In, Around Commercial Motor Vehicles
On Aug. 3, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a safety advisory to owners and operators of commercial motor vehicles concerning incidents involving battery-powered portable electronic smoking devices. These include e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-pipes, e-hookahs, personal vaporizers and electronic nicotine delivery systems.
According to the FMCSA, the U.S. Fire Administration estimated that there were 25 reported incidents involving the devices that resulted in explosions, serious personal injuries or fires between 2009 and 2014.
However, FMCSA cited news sources that reported more than 1,500 explosions involving such devices and warned motor carriers and drivers to be cognizant of the risks associated with them.
The agency asked motor carriers and drivers to exercise good judgment and discretion in their possession, storage, charging or use on, around or while operating a CMV, and adhere to the smoking prohibitions on, near, or when loading and unloading a motor vehicle transporting hazardous materials.
