air quality – Page 2

Important Reminders About Aircraft Air Quality

October 19, 2016 05:00

In June of this year, the AFA Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) presented Your Air Matters, a contaminated cabin air awareness campaign. This month, we’re providing some important reminders and the resources available to help you should you find yourself in a situation where you believe you might have been exposed to contaminated cabin air. We’d also like to provide some background on how AFA provides assistance and support in suspected air quality exposure incidents.

What Do I Do?

If you believe you might have been exposed to contaminated air aboard the aircraft, follow these steps:

1. Identify The Situation

If you encounter unusual fumes, odors, smoke, or haze:

Quickly rule out non-ventilation sources (i.e. ovens, coffee makers, garbage)
Report the situation to the pilots immediately. If the source is the air from the vents in the cabin, there is possibly oil/hydraulic fluid contamination.
If no passengers are on board, step off the aircraft, especially if maintenance boards to test systems
Avoid breathing fumes coming from vents, if possible

2. Get Help If Sick

If in the air, notify the pilots to call Medlink
If still at the gate, ask the CSA to call paramedics. Deplane if possible.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some tests must be performed as soon as possible to detect exposure. Your symptoms can persist, worsen, or return after another incident.
Call AFA for help (call 206-457-2010, extension 1101 or email airquality@afaalaska.org)
Print and begin completing the AFA exposure checklist
Review the AFA International Air Quality website

3. Report & Document

File an I-21 (employee injury report) with the company
File an ASAP report with the company
Keep printed copies of each report
Send a copy of the completed I-21 form to the ASHSC Vice Chairperson.
Ask a supervisor to complete their Alaska Airlines air quality checklist with you
If sick, file a worker’s compensation claim and see a doctor as quickly as possible. Claims do not start until you see a doctor.
Keep a symptom diary and document everything with a doctor

What Resources Are Available?

AFA Alaska Website

Information on what to do in the event of exposure to contaminated cabin air is available on the AFA Alaska website. You can find the complete checklist at http://afaalaska.org/ashsc/airquality/checklist. On your IMD or other mobile device, you can easily access this information by opening the AFA Alaska app or visiting afaalaska.org and clicking the “air quality exposure info” link from the home page.

Air Quality Exposure Quick Reference Card

Wallet size cards explaining what to do in a contaminated cabin air exposure event are available in each base. These cards can be kept in a badge holder behind your crew ID or in your purse or wallet for when you need to access them quickly. You can also print your own card from the AFA Alaska website by clicking here.

Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC)

The members of your Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee are available as a resource to assist you. You can find contact information for your Local ASHSC on the ASHSC page of afaalaska.org.

What Happens Behind the Scenes?

Once management notifies AFA that a situation involving potential exposure to contaminated cabin air has occurred, a coordinated response process begins behind the scenes. MEC Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Vice Chairperson Yvette Satterlee activates AFA’s response procedures and makes contact with the crew. Yvette ensures that the Flight Attendants have information about what to do if they’re feeling sick and what reports to file with the company. The AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee also contacts the Flight Attendants to offer their support. The LEC Officers from the Local Council of the affected Flight Attendants are also notified of the situation and are available to provide assistance if needed.

After the incident, ASHSC, EAP, and the LEC Officers continue to assist the Flight Attendants. This ongoing support takes the form of providing information about oil and hydraulic fumes for the medical providers of the affected crew members, coordinating operational debriefs with management, requesting aircraft maintenance records, and additional activities to help affected Flight Attendants through the treatment and recovery process.

Questions?

Please contact your Local ASHSC if you have any questions about contaminated cabin air. You can find contact information for your Local ASHSC on the ASHSC page of afaalaska.org.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Satterlee, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Tim Green, Brice McGee and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Vice Chairperson Interviews – Deadline Extended

July 18, 2016 20:00

The AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) has extended the deadline for interviews for the ASHSC Vice Chairperson position. Interviews will now be conducted at the August MEC meeting on August 15 and 16.

With the continued growth of the company and corresponding increase in work for the ASHSC, the MEC has elected to establish a Vice Chairperson position for the ASHSC. The former responsibilities of the Air Quality Subcommittee will become part of the duties of the new ASHSC Vice Chairperson.

Background

The Vice Chairperson of the ASHSC will assist the MEC Chairperson as needed with the work of the committee. S/he will also have responsibility for overseeing all AFA and ASHSC efforts pertaining to aircraft air quality including responding to complaints or incidents involving possible contaminated air.

Additional Information from the MEC Policy Manual

1. SCOPE

a. The Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) shall work with the Company on matters pertaining to cabin and Flight Attendant safety and health.

2. POLICY/RESPONSIBILITIES

a. The MEC ASHSC shall consist of the MEC ASHSC Chairperson, MEC ASHSC Vice Chairperson, and the Local ASHSC Chairperson from each council.

…

d. The MEC Vice Chairperson shall:

(i) Perform the duties of the MEC Chairperson in her/his absence

(ii) Assist the MEC Chairperson as needed

(iii) Regularly communicate with and provide updates to the MEC ASHSC Chairperson on all activities, meetings, and work being performed

(iv) Work on all matters pertaining to the quality of air onboard the aircraft. Coordinate ASHSC response to any incidents or complaints involving air quality, specifically:

(A) Handle any air quality or contamination issues as they arise

(B) Work with the company to investigate and address the source of air quality or contamination when it occurs

(C) Assist Flight Attendants in obtaining proper care, treatment, and testing when involved in an air quality or contamination incident

(D) Follow up with the Flight Attendant(s) involved to ensure they have received proper care, treatment, and testing

(E) Keep members informed of air quality incidents and developments through the MEC Communications Committee

(F) Attend Cabin Air Review Team (CART) meetings and other air quality-related meetings

(G) Develop, distribute, maintain, and update membership education materials about air quality, contamination, symptoms, and follow up procedures

(H) In conjunction with the International Office, develop and provide initial and ongoing training to the ASHSC of each Local Council

Qualifications

Previous ASHSC experience required
Knowledge of contaminated cabin air exposure protocols
Ability to attend meetings as required, including being present in Seattle regularly
Ability to attend AFA International and other required training as needed
Strong computer skills. Excellent working knowledge of Inflight Mobile Device, Google email, and Microsoft Office.
Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write communications, respond professionally to internal and external e-mail, prepare reports, and take meeting minutes.
Ability to meet deadlines and follow up on assigned tasks

Duties

Fulfill the duties of the MEC Chairperson when s/he is absent or otherwise committed
Perform tasks as assigned by the MEC Chairperson. Regularly communicate with and provide updates to the MEC Chairperson on all activities. Assist the MEC Chairperson in preparing the monthly committee report to the MEC.
Actively respond to any incidents involving aircraft air quality. Provide assistance to the affected Flight Attendants. Work with management to determine the root cause.
Represent AFA and the ASHSC at bi-monthly Cabin Air Review Team (CART) meetings in Seattle
Assist the MEC Chairperson in planning and conducting bi-monthly meetings of the committee and other meetings and conference calls as needed. Attend and actively participate in all meetings and conference calls in coordination with the MEC Chairperson.

Time Commitment and Flight Pay Loss Reimbursement

This position is eligible for Flight Pay Loss (FPL) reimbursement by the Company under §27.P Company Business (CB) Flight Pay Loss with a 5% override and “A” pay. CB is compensated at 0.75 TFP per hour of work.
Estimated 4-6 hours per week (12 to 18 TFP per month). This amount is highly variable and may be higher or lower depending on the amount of work to be completed each week and month. Some work may be accomplished remotely. Regularly required to be in Seattle to work on projects and attend meetings.

Working Relationships

With The ASHSC

Frequent interaction with Local ASHSC Chairpersons and Committee Members

With The MEC ASHSC Chairperson

Constant interaction; this position reports to the MEC ASHSC Chairperson

With Alaska Airlines Management

Constant interaction with inflight management, particularly the Director of Inflight Safety & Compliance, Manager of Inflight Policy, and Inflight Safety & Policy Specialists

Expressing Interest and Interview Scheduling

The MEC will hold interviews during the August MEC meeting on Monday, August 15 or Tuesday, August 16, 2016.
Submit a declaration of interest and resume to MEC Secretary-Treasurer Yvette Satterlee at yvette.satterlee@afaalaska.org no later than 5 PM Pacific Time on Friday, August 5, 2016. Yvette will contact qualified candidates to schedule a specific interview time.

Questions About the Position

If you have questions about the position, please contact MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple at seth.heiple@afaalaska.org.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Satterlee, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Tim Green, Brice McGee; and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple

Your Air Matters: How You Can Help

June 30, 2016 05:00

We hope that you’ve gained new knowledge from this month’s Your Air Matters campaign. All of the resources shared this month will continue to be available on the air quality page of afaalaska.org. On the page, you’ll always be able to access the most up-to-date air quality exposure information.

Knowledge Is Power

Even though the message has been widespread on afaalaska.org and AFA Alaska social media accounts, you can help to keep the conversation going and make sure that everyone knows what to do if they breathe contaminated air onboard. Share the information on your air quality quick reference card with your flying partners. Show someone how to access the air quality exposure information on their IMD. Let your crew know how important it is to seek treatment if there’s possibility of exposure and they’re showing symptoms. These discussions will help to empower all of our Flight Attendants in the event of exposure to contaminated cabin air.

Give Ten, Get Ten

We’ve previously shared information about Give Ten, Get Ten, a campaign to fund ongoing research to help develop a blood test to detect engine oil fume exposure from aircraft engines. Currently, the only way to detect exposure is a blood test for carbon monoxide (CO) exposure which must be conducted before CO clears from your blood, often less than 24 hours after exposure.

Development of a blood test specific to engine oil fumes is critical in the ongoing fight to improve cabin air. A dedicated test will help crew members and passengers alike to prove incidents of exposure and seek proper treatment for the debilitating symptoms associated with breathing engine oil fumes. Please take a moment to review the campaign page for more information. The video features information about the research project and interviews with several crew members who have been affected by exposure to engine oil fumes.

We hope that you’ll GIVE $10 (or any amount that you’re able) to help directly fund this important research project and GET 10 of your friends, family, and coworkers to do the same.

If you have any questions about Give Ten, Get Ten, please email AFA Industrial Hygienist Judith Anderson at judith@afanet.org.

Questions?

Your Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) is your go-to for additional information and answers to any questions that you have about cabin air quality. You can find contact information on the ASHSC page of the AFA Alaska website.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Satterlee, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and Stephen Couckuyt; LEC Presidents-Elect Tim Green and Brice McGee; MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple

Your Air Matters!

June 1, 2016 05:00

Do you know how to identify if you’ve breathed ventilation air contaminated with either oil or hydraulic fluid fumes? Are you aware of how important it is to seek immediate treatment if you’re showing symptoms of exposure? This month your Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) presents Your Air Matters, a campaign designed to ensure that everyone knows how to identify possible signs of breathing these fumes onboard and the importance of seeking immediate treatment if you develop symptoms.

How Can I Identify Contaminated Cabin Air?

Is the unusual smell coming from the vents, or is it sourced to something in the cabin like galley equipment or a carryon? Though smoke or haze might be present, most incidents involving oil or hydraulic fumes only involve the presence of fumes (odor) in the cabin supply air without any visible smoke or haze. Characteristic odors include dirty socks, mold, old cheese, heated garbage, chemicals, or an electrical-like scent. Quickly try to identify where the fumes are coming from and what they smell like, and notify the pilots.

If You’re Showing Symptoms, Seek Treatment Immediately!

Time is of the essence if you’ve breathed those kinds of fumes. It is crucial to see a physician as soon as possible after a potential exposure. If you have symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide (which can be present in the fumes) then you need to get your blood tested, ideally within a few hours.

Seeking immediate care also allows you to establish a medical history and begin treatment for your symptoms. A physician will be able to evaluate and create a timely record of your symptoms. By having an understanding of your health soon after exposure, this could assist with treatment options if your symptoms persist or worsen over time.

Know Where to Get Help

In the event that you need to use this information, you’ll want to know how to access it quickly.

Keep It with You

Pick up an air quality quick reference card from your base. Keep the card with your badge or in your purse or wallet in case you need it. You can also print your own card.

Find It On Your IMD or Mobile Phone

Open Safari
Type afaalaska.org in the menu bar
Click “air quality exposure info” from the menu on the front page

Keep an eye on the AFA Alaska Facebook page and Twitter feed for more information about aircraft air quality throughout the month. If you have any questions, your Local Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee Members can help. Find their contact information on the ASHSC page of the AFA Alaska website.

In Solidarity,

Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Satterlee, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow, Stephen Couckuyt; LEC Presidents-Elect Timothy Green and Brice McGee; and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple

Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC) Vice Chairperson Interviews

May 27, 2016 05:00

The AFA Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) would like to thank Karyn Kobe her service as Chairperson of the AFA Air Quality Subcommittee and also as Council 18 LAX ASHSC Chairperson over the past several years. Karyn has helped numerous Flight Attendants through incidents of contaminated cabin air exposure and has relentlessly advocated for continued improvement to the way that the company handles air quality events.