Dangerous items & health hazards

Lithium batteries, found in phones, laptops, and power banks, can rarely enter 'thermal runaway' — overheating, smoking, hissing, swelling, or even catching fire. Early warning signs include an unusual smell, visible smoke, or a device that is hot to the touch.

Crew response to a smoking or burning device within training focuses on isolating it safely, not putting hands near an active fire, using the appropriate onboard fire-containment equipment, and keeping the device away from other flammable items while cooling it if trained and safe to do so.

Smoke or fire detected anywhere in the cabin (lavatory smoke detectors, visible smoke from an overhead bin, or a burning smell) is treated as a serious emergency requiring immediate crew response, flight deck notification, and passenger safety management.

Other dangerous goods categories passengers may unknowingly carry include certain aerosols, flammable liquids or gels, strong chemicals, and dry ice (which can release gas that displaces oxygen in an enclosed space) — each has specific handling awareness taught in dangerous goods training.

Cabin crew's core role with dangerous items is recognition and appropriate response within training — identifying a risk early, isolating and containing it, communicating clearly with the flight deck, and reassuring passengers while following the airline's approved procedure.

Because dangerous goods regulations are detailed and specific to item type and quantity, this lesson builds general awareness — official dangerous goods training covers the full regulatory detail.