SWISS with faulty protective equipment for crew
Some of the protective equipment designed to protect crews from smoke and fumes in the event of an onboard smoke incident is faulty. SWISS is now gradually replacing the affected protective equipment.
Crew members of Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) have various items of equipment at their disposal on all aircraft to protect them from smoke and fumes, for example, in the unlikely event of smoke developing. In particular, the so-called Protective Breathing Equipment (PBE) serves as a protective mask for employees in the cabin and cockpit. These masks are equipped with oxygen generators to enable breathing even when smoke is present in the cabin and to allow crew members to move around unhindered, the company writes. Two different internationally certified models are installed on SWISS aircraft, it says.
Two extraordinary events
According to the information, crew members on two SWISS flights recently noticed unusual odors and put on their PBE as a preventive measure. Some of the masks did not function properly or were difficult to remove from their packaging, according to the media release. At no time was there any danger to the crew or passengers, and both flights were able to land safely and in a controlled manner.
The incidents were immediately reported to the relevant authorities, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) and the Safety Investigation Authority (SUST), and measures were taken to ensure optimal handling of the protective equipment, SWISS said.
Respirators are exchanged
Experts from various SWISS departments have again thoroughly tested the respirators and determined that the functionality of one of the two models was indeed partially limited, according to the statement. Although the lack of operational readiness was not evident in all of the PBE masks tested, SWISS decided to replace all models of this type as a precautionary measure. The procurement of new models has already been initiated.
SWISS has installed nearly 1,000 respirators of the affected type in its aircraft. As a result, the replacement action would take several months, the airline writes. For this reason, an additional training program has now been initiated for all crews. It is intended, for example, to make the crews more aware of the special handling of this type of mask, as it concludes.
