5.22.22 – APFA CLT Base Brief – Sunday, May 22, 2022
Sunday, May 22, 2022
From Your Safety Reports
Each month we break down the safety events that are reported for Charlotte and look for areas that are of concern. Here are some of the safety stats from the last month.
Fume/Odor Events: 7 (with a rash of them in the last 2 weeks that are not included here)
- Number of FAs involved in Fume Events: 23
- Number of FAs taken to hospital: 3
Passengers Ill on aircraft: 80
- Possible COVID: 19
Passenger Misconduct on aircraft: 47
- Diversion necessary: 1
- Intoxicated: 12
- Smoking: 4
- Passengers removed from aircraft:Â 30
- Passengers videotaping crew: 3
Passenger injuries on aircraft: 20
Non-Rev Misconduct: 1
Flight Attendant Injuries (non-fume): 5
- Assaults on FAs: 2
Flight Attendants Sick/Injured on aircraft: 7
Turbulence Events: 9
- FAs injured in turbulence:Â 3
Aircraft Mechanical issues, return to gate: 1
Aircraft Aborted Takeoff: 1
Live Animals removed from aircraft: 7
Possible Human Trafficking: 1
Security Concerns: 1
Slide Deployments: 1 (Not charged to FAs)
Extended Tarmac Delays: 1
Much of this data was taken from last month, in the first 2 weeks of May. We have seen a spike in just about every category as we begin ramping up for the busy summer season. One of the spikes we have seen is in Fume/Odor events.
Fume Events
Here is a checklist of what to do if you are involved in a fume event:
FOLLOW PROCEDURES IN THE IFM on the EFB
- Notify the flight deck immediately
- Be prepared to share the category, location and possible source of the odor as well as any symptoms you may be experiencing.
- Pilots will use this information to complete the Aircraft Smoke, Odor, & Fumes Report/Form 8533 on their iPad and the logbook.
- Attempt to locate the source of the smell. Is it coming from the vents? The vents are directly connected to the air conditioning system that use engine bleed air sources.
- If the smell is not coming from the vents, rule out other sources such as galleys, lavatories and overhead bins.
- Where did the odor start, the front or the back? Is it localized to one area and where is it strongest?
Identify the odor category
- Dirty Sock/Musty – Turbine Oil
- Acrid- Hydraulic
- Kerosene- Burning Jet Fuel
- Burning Rubber- Tires
- Sweet/Vinegar – De-icing Fluid
- Electrical
If possible, remove yourself from the affected area. Treat any sickness as outlined in the first aid section of the IFM.
Carry your Cabin Air Quality Card for reference.
- If management meets the flight, they will complete a Cabin Odor Checklist and will need the details.
If you are at the gate and experience an abnormal odor.
- Notify the Captain
- If there are no pilots around, call Dailey Ops at IOC- 1-888-222-4737. Notify the Gate Agent and contact the local tower operations.
- If possible, remove yourself from the source of the odor
- Ensure Flight Service Management completes the Cabin Odor Checklist
- Pull and print the NS of the affected flight to capture Crew and Tail number. Take a picture of the aircraft certificate above the door to have an accurate record of the tail number.
If you experience these symptoms, go to an ER as soon as possible.
- Chest tightness
- Respiratory distress
- Profound Fatigue
- Muscle Aches
- Sinus Congestion
- Persistent cough
If you seek medical attention, you should ask for an ABD (arterial blood draw) for Carbon Monoxide test. Small Clinics and Urgent Care centers may not be able to do the blood draw.
Billing information should be provided by Management.
You should be treated for the symptoms you have.
After the event, complete a CERs report, an ASAP report and call the IOD Nurse to file an IOD.
Sedgwick Nurse/IOD reporting – 1-844-777-8463
Report the event to APFA – 1-817-540-0108 ext. 8302, or email to:
You may also call a local rep to report the event 1-704-665-7474.
Keep accurate records of everything, including your symptoms, take pictures if necessary. If your IOD is denied, follow up with your own Doctor and transfer all your records. The company will charge points associated with any absence, if this happens, contact your local APFA Representatives right away.
Safety is our number one job. Keep alert, a seemingly routine flight can turn critical in just seconds. Maintaining good situational awareness and being prepared can make all the difference.
Fly safe and take care of yourselves and each other.
The Charlotte APFA Team
In Solidarity,
Scott Hazlewood
APFA CLT Base President
[email protected]