Narrative:

I issued this MEL because I interpreted the MEL maintenance procedures 'note' to mean aircraft location; meaning overhead bin at that location. Rather than using the phrase 'assigned location'; the phrase 'affixed brackets' would be more appropriate if the intention is 'not to allow' deferral of this compartment. [Adding] a 'note' in the MEL that states the exemption for deferral of the class divider compartment with safety equipment. [Adding] condition B; maintenance procedures note: any item(s) that are stowed by means of a permanently affixed bracket or mounting (i.e. Pobs; fire extinguishers; etc.); must remain in their assigned location. 1) remove associated/affected door. 2) for an inoperative cabin or galley storage compartment door(s): a. Remove contents from compartment(s). B. Make and install a placard using tape to inform personnel that bin(s) is (are) not to be used. Ensure placard is clearly visible and identified 'do not use'. 3) complete placarding procedures. Operations procedures: 1. Brief the [lead] flight attendant of the following: a. During the boarding process; include in the boarding announcement a reminder to the passengers that the inoperative bin cannot be used and must remain empty. B. Coordinate with the cabin crew to perform an inspection of the bin(s) prior to takeoff; landing and periodically during flight to ensure that the inoperative bin(s) remains empty. 2. Review placarding procedures. Placarding procedures: 1. Logbook entry MEL 25-28-01B; control #; (overhead bin; cabin; galley) storage compartment _____ door(s) removed. [Action]: class divider storage compartment was repaired in ZZZ1. Rail guide set [replaced]. Recommend changing MEL to 'disallow' deferral of cabin L2 door storage compartment with emergency equipment because all of the equipment is attached to a sliding drawer/door. This compartment is easily damaged and should be relocated or modified.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: A Maintenance Controller recommends changing their A321 MEL to 'disallow deferral' of Cabin L-2 Door storage compartment with emergency equipment; because all of the equipment is attached to a sliding drawer/door. Controller also notes the storage compartment is easily damaged and should be relocated or modified.

Narrative: I issued this MEL because I interpreted the MEL maintenance procedures 'Note' to mean aircraft location; meaning Overhead Bin at that location. Rather than using the phrase 'assigned location'; the phrase 'affixed brackets' would be more appropriate if the intention is 'Not to allow' deferral of this compartment. [Adding] a 'Note' in the MEL that states the exemption for deferral of the Class Divider compartment with safety equipment. [Adding] Condition B; maintenance procedures NOTE: Any item(s) that are stowed by means of a permanently affixed bracket or mounting (i.e. POBs; Fire Extinguishers; etc.); must remain in their assigned location. 1) Remove associated/affected door. 2) For an inoperative cabin or galley storage compartment door(s): A. Remove contents from compartment(s). B. Make and install a placard using tape to inform personnel that Bin(s) is (are) not to be used. Ensure placard is clearly visible and identified 'DO NOT USE'. 3) Complete placarding procedures. Operations Procedures: 1. Brief the [lead] flight attendant of the following: A. During the boarding process; include in the boarding announcement a reminder to the passengers that the inoperative Bin cannot be used and must remain empty. B. Coordinate with the cabin crew to perform an inspection of the Bin(s) prior to takeoff; landing and periodically during flight to ensure that the inoperative Bin(s) remains empty. 2. Review placarding procedures. Placarding Procedures: 1. Logbook entry MEL 25-28-01B; Control #; (Overhead Bin; Cabin; Galley) Storage compartment _____ Door(s) Removed. [Action]: Class divider Storage compartment was repaired in ZZZ1. Rail Guide Set [replaced]. Recommend changing MEL to 'disallow' deferral of Cabin L2 Door Storage compartment with emergency equipment because all of the equipment is attached to a sliding drawer/door. This compartment is easily damaged and should be relocated or modified.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of July 2013 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.