Page:Report of the Board of Inquiry into the Helderberg air disaster.djvu/78

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1.14.5 Supplemental oxygen is provided by separate fixed systems for the flight crew and passengers, and portable oxygen bottles are positioned throughout the cabln and cockpit for use if needed. Individual oxygen masks are automatically released from the passenger service units when the cabin altitude is at or above 14 000 feet. The B-747 Operations Manual warns that passenger oxygen use should be discontinued "below 14 000 feet when smoke or an abnormal heat source is present. The use of passenger oxygen will not prevent passengers from inhaling smoke at any altitude".

1.14.6 Numerous articles of cargo carried in the main deck cargo compartment and also compartment structure, fittings, and components were damaged by fire. Many of the cargo articles and all the packing materials used were flammable. The cargo was largely comprised of electrical components and parts (mainly computers), hardware, paper articles, textiles and sports equipment. Inquiries revealed that several computers and some computer circuit boards were fitted with either nickel cadmium or lithium batteries. Visits to the places of business of 66