FAA weighs hazardous materials fines

Agency says British Airways, FedEx among those with improper shipments.    The Federal Aviation Administration proposed Friday that three companies receive more than $300,000 in fines for violating hazardous materials regulations.
   It is considering levying a $195,000 fine against British Airways. The carrier allegedly loaded a chemical oxygen generator in the cargo hold of an American Airlines passenger flight between London and Dallas in 2012. This cargo is not allowed on passenger flights because it is extremely flammable.
   “The FAA alleges British Airways did not declare the hazardous materials, and the shipment was not properly classed, described, packaged, marked or labeled,” according to a press release. “The FAA further alleges British Airways failed to label the package as an oxidizer that is suitable for transport by cargo aircraft only, provided no emergency response information with the package, and did not ensure its employees had received the required training for shipping hazardous materials.”
   The agency is considering charging FedEx with a $65,000 fine regarding the shipment of paint aboard a FedEx plane. Allied Technology Group is facing a $54,000 fine for shipping a can of electrical coating, a flammable liquid, on a Southwest flight.
   The three parties are scheduled to discuss these cases with the FAA.