The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued general guidance to airlines about the policies regarding recalled or defective lithium devices on-board aircraft as cargo or in carry-on luggage.

Known as safety alert for operators (SAFO), the directive has been issued after the recent recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phone, due to concerns over the devices’ batteries catching fire.

"The existing US hazardous material regulations ban air cargo shipments of recalled or defective lithium batteries and lithium battery-powered devices."

Along with SAFO, the FAA has also issued a pipeline and hazardous materials safety administration in order to ensure a safe flight for both passengers and crew members.

The SAFO recommends the airlines to ensure that cargo and passenger processing employees, and those responsible for cabin safety are aware of the rules meant for recalled or defective devices.

It also urges the airlines to make cargo customers aware of the related rules, and add information and guidance on the airlines’ websites about damaged or recalled lithium batteries and devices.

The new SAFO said that the hazardous material rules do not prevent an airline from putting its own restrictions on carrying or using specific lithium battery products on-board aircraft, prior to an official government recall or advisory.

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The FAA said that the existing US hazardous material regulations ban air cargo shipments of recalled or defective lithium batteries and lithium battery-powered devices.

Passengers are also requested not to turn on or charge the devices when they carry them on-board an aircraft.

They are further advised not to pack recalled devices in checked luggage and should stop any features that may turn on the device during their flights.