Starting this week, all 10 carriers in the Airline Division will be highlighting the important topic of fume events to their 19,000-strong membership. Stay tuned to your emails and social channels!
WHAT IS A FUME EVENT?
- Cabin air is recycled through HEPA filters, removing some germs but not gases or volatile organic compounds.
- Cabin air is pulled (bled) from the clean air entering the aircraft engines. This is called bleed air.
- Engine seals may allow some oil to leak into the bleed air, which can increase during mechanical malfunctions.
- Oil or hydraulic fluid in the cabin air can cause strong odours, sometimes described as resembling socks, gym bags, hockey equipment or acrid cheese (hydraulic).
All these fluids can contain ingredients that may be hazardous to your health. This is a problem because a fundamental right of workers in Canada is to have a safe workplace.
AIR INFO MICRO-SITE:
We’ve worked hard to make it easy to access information on-the-go. The new micro-site includes essential information and tools and will expand in the coming months.
- Can be downloaded as an app that notifies you when new information is available.
- Digital version of the Union’s quick-reference cards
- Symptom note-taking tool – no more pens and paper needed!
- Medical information for your doctor – can be shared or downloaded as a pdf!
- GCARS E-form to flag fume events to the Union so we can gather stats and advocate better on your behalf.
- Quick links to contact your Union and access their socials.
- Safety Data Sheets (coming soon to Airline Division – available now for Air Canada Component).
Access the microsite HERE, and share with your colleagues!
QUICK-REFERENCE CARDS:
The Union also has paper quick-reference cards (yellow plastic at Air Canada Component) available. See your union to get one – or take a few for your whole crew!
In solidarity,
Your Airline Division Council of Presidents