Comment from Deanna Lemieux

I am a SkyWest regional flight attendant. I would like to express my concern for the design and function of this newly approved safety barrier and ask for the following considerations * An extension for required use on our ERJ-170/5 aircraft * Proper “hands on” training for flight attendants. * Consideration of a better barrier which would require only 1 FA behind the barrier, still allowing for 2 personnel in the flight deck at all times, whilst one crew member handles main cabin. We have had the opportunity to watch a video ONCE during CBT training and it is now available to watch in our elibrary. This is wholly insufficient as a training method. The installation involves securing 5 carabiners with thumb screws to tighten C,D,E,G,H,(in order) followed by 5 Nylon straps to pull to the appropriate tension to appropriately secure. Research and Design has really missed the mark here with regard to constructing this contraption for crew members. It frankly looks like a team challenge from the game show survivor. The length of time involved and awkward installation tension straps will, I fear inevitably lead to OJI’s for those not strong enough to tighten, which will inevitably lead to shoddy, incorrect installation just to be compliant. We do have the option to write an ASAP, but eventually we will be unfairly reprimanded for non-compliance, which is punitive to us as safety professionals. I feel that it is also notable that installation includes lifting a steel bar overhead as step one. If we encounter turbulence, what happens if that bar hits a flight attendant in the head and renders them unconscious? Re-stowage also looks to be questionable if one isn’t able to roll the unit tightly enough for the snaps to work. We have been instructed not to make announcements or answer questions about the installation and removal to passengers. As a non-aviation passenger, I would be asking quite a few questions to see if we were preparing to crash or worse experiencing a terrorism event and likely recording the event. Further, what happens if we have ANY medical or security event in the main cabin? This prevents Flight attendants from confronting and diffusing possible threats and emergencies entirely for the time we are behind the partition. It’s is not a good solution for threat and error management. Please consider a simpler design and the time needed away from our normal duties to do so. We at regionals already carry extra duties to compete with Mainline to provide a seamless experience with only 2 people total.