
The FMCSA has warned passengers and operators of commercial vehicles to take caution while traveling with a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone.
The phone has been recalled twice by Samsung, and banned from air travel by the FAA, due to several instances of the phone exploding and catching fire.
On Saturday, the FMCSA issued their own warning, stating that the “Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphones can overheat and catch fire, posing a serious burn and fire hazard.”
Although the phone has not been completely banned from commercial vehicles, the agency warned drivers and passengers to take the following precautions:
Turn off the device;
Disconnect the device from any charging equipment;
Disable all applications that could inadvertently activate the phone (e.g., alarm clock);
Protect the power switch to prevent its unintentional activation; and
Keep the device in carry-on baggage or on your person. Do not store in an inaccessible baggage compartment.
In addition, the FMCSA noted that the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones are subject to Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations 49 CFR 173.21(b), which places special restriction on items that are likely to spark and/or catch fire. In order to transport the smartphone as cargo, a “Special Permit or Approval issued by PHMSA’s Associate Administrator for Hazardous Materials Safety” is required.
Click here to read the full FMCSA warning.