AIMA Boletin Vol11 No2 (Diciembre/2010) - SEMA

Resolution 42/1. The involvement of a wide variety of partners with ICAO was particularly appreciated and the merit of
establishing the project in all regions, including Europe (currently the only region where the project is not operating) was
noted.
NOTE FROM SILVIO FINKELSTEIN: The following two papers contained two resolutions quite similar in nature reflecting the
work done, and the work to be done on the issue of disinsection of aircraft. On account of their similarities, the resolutions
were amalgamated. At the Plenary Session, when the Technical Commission presented its report for approval, New
Zealand and Australia stated reservations.
Preventing the spread of communicable disease through non-chemical methods
http://www.icao.int/icao/en/assembl/a37/wp/wp059_en.pdf
The Commission considered A37‐WP/59, presented by the Council, concerning the prevention of spread of communicable
disease through non‐chemical methods and also a paper presented by the United States (A36‐WP/79) concerning
progress in non‐chemical approaches to aircraft disinsection. The Commission was informed that methods of aircraft
disinsection are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in order to reduce the risk of spread of vector‐
borne disease from one country to another and that, at present, such methods involve the use of chemical insecticides.
Assembly Resolution A36‐24 ‐ Non‐chemical disinsection of the aircraft cabin and flight deck for international flights had
requested the Council of ICAO to urge WHO to hold a consultation on disinsection of the cabin and flight deck and
encourage the exploration of non‐chemical approaches to aircraft disinsection. Subsequent to this request two meetings
had been held and the WHO had established two task forces that were addressing the safety and efficiency of disinsection
methods. Support was voiced for optimization of a balance between chemical and non‐chemical disinsection methods,
and it was pointed out that non‐chemical methods were eco‐friendly and would likely have fewer adverse effects on
humans.
Progress in non-chemical approaches to aircraft disinsection
http://www.icao.int/icao/en/assembl/a37/wp/wp079_en.pdf
Working paper A36‐WP/79, by the United States, referred to continuing concern about the safety of pesticides and
indicated that non‐chemical disinsection methods showed promise as an alternative. They proposed an extension of draft
Resolution 43/1 that reflected that view.
The inclusion of medical personnel in the aircraft crews
http://www.icao.int/icao/en/assembl/a37/wp/wp213_en.pdf
The Commission reviewed A37‐WP/213, presented by the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and the Member States of the Arab Civil
Aviation Commission, concerning the inclusion of medical personnel in the crew of international flights. It was noted that
although the majority of flight diversions were due to medical causes it was unclear how many diversions could be
prevented by having a physician on‐board. The Commission was informed that most cases of communicable disease were
asymptomatic at the time of travel and that a medical escort should accompany, if necessary, a traveller known to have a
medical condition. Despite the apparent increase in the number of elderly and frail passengers in recent years, there was
no data to suggest the rate of medical diversions had increased. The proposal was not supported.
Investigation into flight safety impact of in-flight exposure to oil fumes
http://www.icao.int/icao/en/assembl/a37/wp/wp230_en.pdf
The Commission reviewed A37‐WP/230, presented by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), concerning
the flight safety impact of in‐flight exposure to oil fumes. The presentation of the paper suggested that States should be
requested to review the literature and to ensure crewmembers were educated about toxic engine bleed air events,
including the necessity of reporting such events through the safety management systems of the aircraft operator. Several
delegates did not support the paper and its resolution (46.37), noting that exposure to oil fumes was one of many hazards
and that systems are already in place, mandatory and voluntary, to facilitate the reporting and analysis of flight safety
events, including safety management systems. Additional measures specific to fume events were therefore not required,
although continuing research on the subject was supported.
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