The US Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration has issued a ‘Safety Alert for Operators’ (SAFO) to airlines
US-based airlines have been urged to re-examine their safety practices amidst a ‘recurring safety hazard’. The US Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration issued its message in a ‘Safety Alert for Operators’ (SAFO), spotlighting the persistent problem of hand luggage safety.
The alert, issued on September 16, reads: “This SAFO serves to emphasise the operational and safety-critical importance of strict passenger compliance with crewmember instructions during emergency evacuations.
“Specifically, it addresses the adverse effects of passengers attempting to evacuate with carry-on items, which can significantly impede evacuation procedures and increase the potential for injury or fatality.”
The federal government agency stated that operational data and post-incident reviews have shown passengers consistently try to retrieve carry-on items during aeroplane evacuations. This behaviour creates several risks, such as overcrowding in aisles, blocking exits, and damaging evacuation slides.
Retrieving hand baggage significantly contributes to delays in evacuation, higher injury rates, and reduced chances of survival. This is particularly critical during emergencies involving smoke, fire, or structural damage plane
“Any delay caused by retrieval of baggage can significantly affect survival rates in rapidly deteriorating conditions,” the alert added.
In light of these risks, the FAA has urged operators to reassess their emergency evacuation procedures, announcements and training to tackle passenger ‘non-compliance’ in this area.
It said this could encompass bolstered communication methods to ‘highlight consequences of non-compliance with crewmember commands’ or displaying more visual content in airports to stress its importance.
The alert continued: “Operators should evaluate their emergency evacuation procedures, training and emergency announcements and commands to address passenger non-compliance particularly in relation to carry-on item retrieval.
“A coordinated approach rooted in regulatory compliance, operational best practice, and clear public communication may contribute significantly to reducing evacuation times and preserving life in time-critical emergencies.”
The FAA oversees civil aviation and commercial space transportation in the US. Similarly, the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority advises passengers to leave all luggage behind during emergency evacuations.
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Its official guidance reads: “In the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation, you must follow crew instructions and leave the aircraft quickly, leaving all cabin baggage behind.
“Evacuations occur only when there is a significant safety risk. Even if the cause of the emergency is not immediately apparent, rapid evacuation is imperative. Do not block your own or others’ escape by attempting to retrieve belongings.”
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