Safety Alert: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Smartphone
This safety alert reminds vessel owners, operators, charterers, merchant mariners, passengers, and all others throughout the maritime domain of safety concerns associated with Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Smartphone.
This alert includes phones recently replaced by manufacturer. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), as of last month there have been at least 92 reports of batteries overheating, including 26 reports of customer burns and 55 reports of property damage. The primary concern is the phone's Lithium-ion battery which stores significant energy. During normal use and charging, devices have overheated and ruptured. The recalled devices have a 5.7 inch screen and were sold in the following colors: black onyx, blue coral, gold platinum and silver titanium with matching stylus.
The word 'Samsung' appears across the top front of the phone with Galaxy Note 7 printed on the back.
All Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Smartphones including those recently replaced are recalled. The Coast Guard strongly recommends immediately powering down and ending all use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ordered banning the recalled devices from airplanes starting on October 15, 2016. Maritime operators should review potential fire hazards related to the recall, especially for operations that include checked baggage or unattended vehicles as on ferries.
The Coast Guard recommends taking the following actions in instances where a Galaxy Note 7 is discovered on a vessel:
- Turn off the phone;
- Disconnect the phone from any charging equipment;
- Disable all applications that could inadvertently activate the phone such as the alarm clock;
- Protect the power switch to prevent it from being turned on;
- Keep the device accessible under constant supervision.
This safety alert is provided for informational purpose only and does not relieve any domestic or international safety, operational, or material requirements. Developed and distributed the Office of Investigations and Casualty Analysis. Questions or comments may be sent to HQS-PF-fldr-CG-INV@uscg.mil.