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        You are here: Home / Archives for ASHSC

        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

        Filed Under: Air Quality, Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Latest News Tagged With: 2016, air quality, ASHSC

        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.

        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 July MEC meeting on Monday July 18 or Tuesday, July 19, 2016. Bid around the interview date or plan to arrange your schedule accordingly to accommodate.
        • 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, July 8, 2016. Yvette will contact qualified candidates to schedule a specific interview time.

        In Solidarity,

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

        AFA Alaska Logo No Tag

        Filed Under: Air Quality, Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Latest News, Master Executive Council (MEC) Tagged With: 2016, air quality, ASHSC, MEC Committee Vice Chairperson, safety, volunteer

        Contaminated Cabin Air: Know What To Do

        December 4, 2015 05:00

        Under normal circumstances, we don’t give the air we breathe onboard the aircraft a second thought. As we’re all taught in initial training, cabin air is bleed air that is taken in through the aircraft engines then cooled and pressurized to make it usable. As with any piece of mechanical equipment, there’s always a possibility of malfunction. As a part of the engines, a malfunction in the cabin air system has the possibility of introducing oil, hydraulic fluid, or other materials into the cabin.

        What to do if You Think You’ve Been Exposed to Contaminated Air

        Being prepared and knowing what to do in the event of an air quality exposure incident can help you and your crew to the help you need as quickly as possible. Here’s what to do:

        1. Identify the Situation

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

        • Quickly rule out in-cabin items (e.g. burning food, oven residue, etc.)
        • Report the situation to the pilots immediately. If the source is the air from the vents in the cabin, there is the possibility of 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

        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. Most tests that detect exposure are time sensitive; even a few hours can make a difference. Your symptoms can persist, worsen, or return after another incident.
        • Call AFA for help 

        [su_panel background=”#ffffff” color=”#000000″ border=”3px solid #3399cc” radius=”1″]
        Call First

        Karyn Kobe, Air Quality Chairperson
        (206) 457-2010, Extension 1101

        Backup

        Seth Heiple, ASHSC Chairperson
        (206) 457-2010, Extension 1100

        [/su_panel]
        • 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) and ASAP report with the company
        • Keep printed copies of each report for your records
        • Send a copy of the completed I-21 form to airquality@afaalaska.org
        • Ask 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

        Keep This Information With You In Case You Need it

        Get Your New Quick Reference CardAFA Alaska AQ Exposure Quick Ref Card 2015.10.03

        New air quality exposure quick reference cards have been printed and will soon be available in your base. These cards replace all old versions of the air quality cards (gold or blue lanyard cards or old black and white folded paper card). When you pick up your new card, please discard any old cards that you have and replace them with the new one. This card fold up to the size of a credit card and will fit easily inside a plastic badge holder or in your purse or wallet. On the card, you’ll find information that you’ll need in the event of an air quality exposure incident as well as links to online AFA resources and contact information for AFA representatives who can assist you.

        Print Your Own Quick Reference Card

        You can download and print a quick reference card at any time by clicking this link.

        Find it on the AFA Alaska WebsiteIMG_0182

        This information is also available on a dedicated page of the AFA Alaska website at: http://afaalaska.org/ashsc/airquality/checklist.

        From the AFA Alaska mobile website or web app, a quick link is located on the main page of the site. For instructions on how to save the AFA Alaska web app as a desktop icon on your IMD or personal Apple device, click here.

        If you have questions, please contact your Local Air Safety, Health, and Security (ASHSC) Committee.

        In Solidarity,

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow, Stephen Couckuyt, Air Quality Chairperson Karyn Kobe and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple

        AFA Alaska Logo No Tag

        Filed Under: Air Quality, Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Latest News Tagged With: 2015, air quality, ASHSC, cabin air, contaminated air, exposure

        Much Improved Sleeping While in Uniform Policy!

        October 29, 2015 15:00

        AFA advocated very hard on your behalf in regard to the recent changes to the sleeping while in uniform policy. Collectively we were successful in getting management to reconsider the policy. Inflight just published Bulletin #2015-0272 “Sleeping While in Uniform” that establishes a much-improved policy.

         

        The bulletin outlines that a flight attendant “may not nest in any public area where customers gather at (a) terminal”, which “includes laying down on (the) floor or on seats inside public areas of (a) terminal” (sic). Essentially this means we may use our discretion to close our eyes as long as we’re not lying down.

         

        Of course a flight attendant may never sleep or give the appearance of sleeping while in uniform when customers are present on the aircraft—except when assigned a customer seat such as when deadheading or commuting.

         

        The bulletin contains an additional clarification that break rooms are acceptable locations even though they may not be appropriate sleep locations for other work groups.

         

        The Master Executive Council (MEC) sincerely thanks Alaska Airlines management for developing a more sensible sleeping policy for the flight attendants. We also thank our members for their resolute support in getting the policy reconsidered!

         

        In solidarity,

         

        Your MEC—Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and Stephen Couckuyt; and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple

        AFA Alaska

        Filed Under: Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Latest News Tagged With: 2015, ASHSC, sleeping

        [Updated 1140 PDT] URGENT: Buy on Board Credit Card Sleeve Recall

        October 12, 2015 06:58

        [Updated information in red text below.]

        This morning there was a fire caused by the battery in the buy on board credit card sleeve on a flight from EWR to SEA. Everyone is safe and the flight was diverted. Because of that Alaska Airlines is removing all credit card sleeves from all flights immediately. Management is working on sending out an ACARS message to crews already in flight with instructions.

         

        ***Please do not take the buy on board sleeves onboard and do not charge them. Keep your iPhone. Return the sleeve to your base office. If you are on a layover, leave the sleeve with station personnel (e.g. CSA) prior to boarding. Ensure it is powered off with the battery still attached. ***

         

        Once Alaska Airlines management has a better handle on the situation they will be providing more information. There is a message on the splash screen and management will be pushing a message out to all F/A phones this morning. Please help us get out the word quickly!

         

        Take care and fly safe!

         

        In solidarity,

         

        Your MEC – Jeffrey Peterson, Brian Palmer, Yvette Gesch, Lisa Pinkston, Laura Masserant, Cathy Gwynn, Sandra Morrow and Stephen Couckuyt; and MEC ASHSC Chairperson Seth Heiple

        AFA Alaska

        Filed Under: Air Safety, Health, & Security Committee (ASHSC), Latest News Tagged With: 2015, ASHSC, battery, buy on board, fire, recall

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