EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Situational Awareness
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Person / Animal / Bird
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
After landing; we taxied to the gate; we were met by the Contract Ground Crew and marshalled in to park without delay. While executing the engine cool down procedure and [with] both engines still running; one of the contract ramp agents opened the forward cargo door. I feel this is a serious safety violation. I shut down the right engine immediately upon hearing the Aural Warning Unit's triple chime and recognizing that the cargo door had been opened because of the EICAS Warning. I can't be 100% sure that the entire engine cool down had been fulfilled. I was more concerned with the safety of the ramp personnel. I don't believe that I or my crew did anything wrong. I want to draw attention to this safety issue that I've experienced more frequently than I'd ever expect.I suggest a new procedure; do not taxi to the gate (taxi beyond the gate number painted on the Gate Lead In Line) until it can be assured that the Engine Cool Down Procedure has been completed.
An ERJ-175 was marshalled into the gate by a Contract Ramp Agent and when the EICAS alerted the forward cargo door had been opened the Captain shut the right engine down before the cool down period was complete.