Fume Information

WHAT TO DO IF YOU BREATHE FUMES ONBOARD:

A FUME EVENT is when engine oil or hydraulic fluid contaminates the ventilation air supply to the cabin and/or flight deck. Even if there is no visible haze or smoke, breathing those fumes can be hazardous, so be informed and report them. Initial symptoms can include headache, confusion, dizziness. Some symptoms can be delayed.

IDENTIFY SOURCE of FUMES – air vents or cabin item? If from air vents, could be oil or hydraulic fluid which contain a complex mixture of chemicals, some of which are toxic. Most oil fumes often smell like dirty socks. TN600 oil smells like solvents. Hydraulic often smells acrid.

If fumes are coming from air vents, REPORT THAT to the pilots. ALSO, REPORT: (1) type of smell; (2) where in the cabin; (3) phase of flight when noticed; and (4) whether anyone has symptoms/being treated. IF NEEDED, request EMTs meet the flight. KNOW your company procedures, including oxygen use onboard. REPORT these workplace hazards to your supervisor and AFA. DOCUMENT what happened with all necessary paperwork. Keep a log of your symptoms. Get MEDICAL ATTENTION, if needed.

More: How to Recognize Fume Events Onboard