31 July 2011 C1 CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT HONG KONG ...

CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENTHONG KONG, CHINAAirworthiness Notice1 ApplicabilityTHIS NOTICE GIVES DETAILS OF A MANDATORY ACTIONFIRE PRECAUTIONS – AIRCRAFT TOILETSNo. 83Issue 831 July 2011This Notice is applicable to Hong Kong registered aircraft over 5700 kg MTWAcertificated in the Transport Category (Passenger).2 Introduction2.1 In view of the history of in-flight fires which have occurred in the toiletcompartments of large transport category aeroplanes, a survey has beenconducted to re-appraise the fire precautions on the various types of aircraftused by Hong Kong operators.2.2 The results of this survey have shown that in some instances the design ofreceptacles (e.g. towel dispensers, waste containers), provided within toiletareas for the carriage of flammable materials and in particular flammablewaste, does not comply with the current interpretation of publishedairworthiness requirements. In other instances, the receptacles are notsufficiently robust to withstand the effects of wear and deterioration in service.The survey also showed that, regardless of notices prohibiting smoking intoilets, smoking does occur, and that, even when ashtrays are provided, theyare often not used, and cigarette ends are deposited in other receptacles.2.3 The purpose of this Notice is to publish requirements aimed at reducing theprobability of persons smoking in toilet compartments and at minimising thepotential fire hazard caused by persistent smokers.2.4 When this Notice was first issued on 1 June 1987, the Director-Generalrequired that an inspection be completed on toilet receptacles within onecalendar month from the date of issue with repeat inspections at 1000 hourlyintervals, however, as a result of a further survey it was concluded that someaircraft toilets had been allowed to deteriorate and were therefore out ofcompliance.AN-83 P.131 July 2011