EASA SIB BEA-2024-01
FFE Ltd: Fire Suppression — Toilet Compartment Fire Extinguishers
Summary
FFE Ltd: Fire Suppression — Toilet Compartment Fire Extinguishers is a Special Airworthiness Bulletin (BEA 2024-01) issued to inform owners and operators about inspection recommendations for certain Toilet Compartment Fire Extinguishers FE-36 installed on Embraer ERJ 170, ERJ 190, EMB-135, EMB-145, EMB-545, and EMB-550 aircraft. The bulletin addresses fire extinguishers manufactured by FFE Ltd. with specific part numbers and serial numbers produced before June 12, 2023. It highlights a potential manufacturing defect that may cause leakage and loss of fire suppression capability.
What Changed
This bulletin introduces an informative alert regarding a manufacturing defect in specific Toilet Compartment Fire Extinguishers that could lead to leakage and ineffective fire suppression. It recommends inspection and weight verification procedures but does not mandate corrective actions or issue an Airworthiness Directive. The bulletin provides detailed part numbers, serial ranges, and affected aircraft models for targeted inspection.
Why It Matters
This bulletin is important for aviation professionals as it identifies a potential safety risk that could increase crew workload during a lavatory fire emergency due to ineffective fire extinguishers. Operators and maintenance teams need to verify extinguisher integrity to ensure continued fire suppression capability and compliance with safety recommendations. Early detection and replacement of defective units help maintain aircraft safety and operational readiness.
What To Do
Operators should review documentation to confirm if affected fire extinguishers have been weight-checked and, if not, perform weight verification within 18 months of the bulletin's issue date. Units weighing more than 5 grams below the labeled gross weight must be removed from service and replaced. Otherwise, extinguishers can be returned to service. Removal should occur at the next suitable maintenance opportunity without exceeding the 18-month timeframe.