Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus, the IAM Joint Air Transport Safety Committee (JATSC) has been proactive in ensuring the safety of all IAM members who work with the traveling public and provide cleaning and maintenance on aircraft.
The committee has participated in conference calls with its respective airlines to discuss the adequacy of current policies and procedures. These calls have included the airlines’ Medical, Safety, Emergency Preparedness and Operating Departments.
JATSC Representatives have also initiated conference calls with other aviation union affiliates of the AFL-CIO’s Transportation Trades Department (TTD) along with principals and senior officials from agencies responsible for aviation safety, health and security. These talks have centered around a coordinated response to the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak.
JATSC members will continue to participate in these discussions, providing input regarding our members’ safety.
As this issue continues to unfold, we will likely learn more about this virus and how to effectively protect ourselves. In the meantime, there are some basic precautions that we should take:
- Know and understand your company’s policy on protection from the virus and follow the policies. Don’t take short cuts.
- Good personal hygiene is also very important. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Use of hand sanitizers (60% or more of alcohol) can be used when water is not readily available. It is always a good idea to wash your hands as soon as water is available for 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Use the proper disinfectant that is approved for use on the aircraft or ground facilities and follow the directions as most disinfectants require a dwell time on the surfaces to be effective prior to wiping off.
Please read any bulletins or notifications your employer has issued about the Coronavirus.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have current info about the virus as well.
Below are links to both of their sites:
The Joint Air Transport Safety Committee represents IAM members from DL 140, DL 141 and DL 142.
