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Personal Electronic Device Fire - Cabin Crew Checklist
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| Article Information | ||
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| Category: | Fire Smoke and Fumes | 
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| Content source: | SKYbrary | 
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| Content control: | EUROCONTROL | 
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Contents |
Description
The following checklist is based upon guidance issued in the ICAO Emergency Response Guidance for Aircraft Incidents Involving Dangerous Goods (2009 edition).
In case of fire involving a portable electronic device:
INITIAL ACTION
- Notify Aircraft Captain
- Identify the item
- Use standard procedure / obtain and use fire extinguisher: Standard emergency procedures must be used to deal with any fire. Although Halon has been shown to not be effective against lithium metal fires, Halon will be effective in fighting the subsequent fire of surrounding materials, or in fighting lithium ion battery fire.
- Remove external electrical power form device (if applicable): A battery has a higher likelihood of catching fire through thermal runway during or immediately following a charging cycle, although the effects of thermal runaway may be delayed for some period of time. By removing external power form the device, it will be assured that additional energy is not being fed to the battery to promote a fire.
- Douse device with water (or other non-flammable liquid) to cool cells and prevent ignition of adjacent cells: If available, a water extinguisher should be used to cool the cells in a battery that has ignited, preventing the spread of heat to adjacent cells. If a water extinguisher is not available, any non-flammable liquid may be sued to cool the cells and device.
- Do not move device: A battery pack involved in a fire has been shown to reignite and emit flames multiple times as heat is transferred to other cells in the pack. It is preferable to cool the device using water (or other non-flammable liquid); injuries may occur if the device reignites while it is being moved.
- Remove power to remaining electrical outlets until the aircraft’s system can be determined to be free of faults, if the device was previously plugged in.: By removing power to the remaining electrical outlets it can be assured that a malfunctioning aircraft system does not contribute to additional failures of passenger portable electronic devices.
AFTER LANDING
- Identify the dangerous goods item to ground personnel and where stowed.
- Make appropriate entry in maintenance log.
Related Articles
- Dangerous Goods
- Aircraft Fire Risk from Batteries Carried by Passengers
- Cabin Fire
- In-Flight Fire: Guidance for Flight Crews
- Smoke Hoods
Further Reading
FAA Research Reports