Thanks, Peekay4.
I think that clarifies the laptop etc issue. I had not realised the difference between lithium-ion and lithium-metal, and in fact the ALPA document to which wanabee777 refers actually indicates that there is one.
But shifting focus slightly: even if the flight crew is told that there is hazardous material on board, how likely is it that the knowledge would be useful should the worst happen?
If the crew of the Helderberg* had been told that they had explosives on board, other than refusing to fly what could they have done?
*See
South African Airways Flight 295
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_...ays_Flight_295
According to one account, the captain was told of the cargo and when he refused to fly was told that he would be fired. He flew.......
Alleged cause of Helderberg plane exposed
Former SAA consultant Allan Dexter claimes the plane was carrying rocket fuel and ammunition.
Alleged cause of Helderberg plane exposed