Battery in checked luggage

[Hvr]

I think you need the formal answer from Qantas on it, but at a guess I would suggest that the battery will need to certified as non-spillable. There will likely be some specific packaging conditions along with it.

Agree their response will be direct and current unlike some of the alternating answers here.

 

[Boris spatsky]

I doubt this will be allowed - from my DG training recollections, lead acid is explicitly forbidden from carriage on passenger aircraft.

Qantas will tell you for sure, once they look it up in the IATA DG manual. Would help if you can get the UN code off the packaging to give them (if listed).

 

[Mwenenzi]

UN1830 is a code I know without looking up
From MSDS for Sulp Acid

Air Transport
Classified as Dangerous Goods by the criteria of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods
Regulations for transport by air; DANGEROUS GOODS.
UN No: 1830
Class-primary: 8 Corrosive
Packing Group: II
Proper Shipping Name : SULPHURIC ACID

A google search found UN2800 for Lead Acid Battery Wet Non Spillable
http://www.isuzu.com.au/media/161829/MSDS_Lead_Acid_Battery_Wet_NonSpillable_UN2800.pdf

Sealed - non spillable is one thing. If it drops and breaks becomes very spillable.
Doubt if it will be allowed as passenger luggage on a commercial aircraft

Buy another at your destination ?

I know of people who have imported "dry" lead acid batteries from the USA of a specialized size, not available in Australia. Acid is added here at any battery shop

 

[Happy Trails]

CASA regs disallow wet cell batteries but there is a partial exemption for battery powered wheelchairs:

These procedures cover articles containing batteries which, generally speaking, can only be carried as consigned cargo ie. they cannot travel as "baggage". Relief from this requirement is available for battery-powered wheelchairs where the passenger and wheelchair are to travel on the same flight, and where certain requirements are met , in which case the wheelchair with battery can be considered as baggage. Airlines are obliged to have procedures in place to ensure these requirements are met. The aims of the requirements are to prevent fire due to heat or sparks developed should the battery be short-circuited, and/or to reduce as far as is possible the risk of spillage of battery electrolyte during loading, flight and unloading with ensuing corrosion damage to the aircraft, baggage and cargo.

The battery will be of the "spillable" or "non-spillable" type, and confirmation that a particular type of battery has been tested to meet the criterion to be classified as a "non-spillable" battery will usually be available from the selling agent or the manufacturer. It should be noted that many "gel-cell" batteries are sold as "non-spillable" but have not been subjected to the tests necessary to be legally classified as "non-spillable" for transport by air.
For non-spillable batteries the procedure will usually involve disconnection of the battery, insulation of the battery terminals and ensuring the battery is securely attached to the wheelchair. For spillable batteries the same procedures will apply only if the wheelchair can remain in an upright position through the entire loading process . If this requirement can not be met the battery must be removed and transported in a container specifically designed for the purpose.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority - Dangerous goods you can't carry

Civil Aviation Safety Authority - Air operators - Carriage by air - Battery powered wheelchairs

 

[risky]

No email response from Qantas yet, and I didn't have time to chase it up. I did find somebody driving though, so I sent it with them instead. So my problem is solved, even if the question remains incompletely answered.

Following through the links to CASA provided by Sickeningthud, I also found Civil Aviation Safety Authority - Dangerous goods you can carry. It says batteries (not lithium) in equipment is OK as carry-on or checked luggage.