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Exit Row Seating |
Regulatory Requirements
Before the aircraft door is closed, airlines are required by law to ensure that passengers who are seated in exit rows meet the suitability criteria for sitting there. They are also required to provide a briefing to passengers seated beside exits. At the start of the briefing, passengers must be asked if they wish to assume responsibilities for exit seat occupancy. Passengers may refuse, and, if so, must be reseated before the aircraft moves from the gate. During the briefing, reference must be made to the passenger safety briefing card.
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Exit Row Seating
Exit seat means:
- Each seat from which a passenger can proceed directly to the exit; and
- Each seat in a row of seats through which passengers would have to pass to gain access to an exit.
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Suitability Criteria for Exit Seat Occupants
| 1. |
Passengers seated in exit seats must have: |
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- Sufficient mobility, strength or dexterity in both arms and hands, and both legs to:
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- Reach upward, sideways, and downward to the location of emergency exit operating handle;
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- Grasp and push, pull, turn, or otherwise manipulate those handles;
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- Push, shove, pull, or otherwise open emergency exits;
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- Reach the emergency exit quickly;
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- Maintain balance while removing obstructions;
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- Assist others in getting out of the aircraft.
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| 2. |
Be 15 years of age or older and have the capacity to perform the listed duties without assistance of an adult companion, parent, or other relative. |
| 3. |
Be able to read and understand instructions related to emergency evacuation which are provided in printed, hand written or graphic form and be able to understand oral commands given by a crew member in the English language. |
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Be able to see well enough to perform the listed duties without the assistance of visual aids. You may wear contacts or eyeglasses. |
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Be able to hear well enough to understand instructions shouted by crew members without assistance. You may wear hearing aids. |
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Be able to speak well enough to give information orally to other passengers. |
| 7. |
Be free from responsibility for someone who requires your care, such as a small child, or someone physically or mentally unable to care for themselves, which might prevent you from performing any of the listed duties; and
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| 8. |
Be free from any condition that might cause you harm if you were to perform one or more of the listed duties.
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Duties and Responsibilities of Exit Seat Occupants
Passengers seated beside exits must be prepared, if called upon, to assist crew members by performing any of thefollowing functions:
- Locate the emergency exit;
- Recognize the emergency exit opening handle;
- Follow the instructions for operating the emergency exit;
- Operate the emergency exit;
- Assess whether opening the emergency exit will increase the hazards to which passengers may be exposed;
- Follow oral directions and hand signals given by a crew member;
- Stow or secure the emergency exit door so that it will not block use of the exit;
- Pass quickly through the emergency exit; and
- Assess, select and follow a safe path away from the emergency exit.
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