A320
Flight Attendant Current
Physiological - Other; Communication Breakdown
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
General None Reported / Taken
Procedure; Company Policy; Aircraft
Our aircraft came from the hangar not serviced; cleaned or catered. As the cleaning staff deplaned they mentioned the strong smell of fumes onboard. As I approached door 1L the smell of toxic aircraft fumes was prominent. All the crew noticed the smell; the cockpit and the flight attendant's (FA). The captain walked to the back of the aircraft; said he would turn on the air to clear out the smell of fumes. One FA went to the back to store her bags and do her safety checks. She came back to 1L for air as the odor was overwhelming and uncomfortable. I informed the FS; Captain and Agent that I was uncomfortable inhaling the fumes; it is a health hazard; and might not be able to work the flight; depending on how severe the odor remained and its effect on my body. I was previously exposed to aircraft fumes and consequently developed severe health issues. The agent phoned zone to inform them of our situation. She was told to go ahead and board; (regardless of cabin air quality and potential health risk to passengers and crew). I took the greeter position; when I was able to step in and out of the cockpit for air; the cockpit did not smell of fumes and the air supply was on high flow. During the boarding; inflight supervisor came onboard. He also acknowledged the strong odor of jet fumes. The odor had not completely dissipated within the 35 minutes of boarding. Due to the very light load; exits were briefed and cabin was ready well before departure time.I strongly feel that my Airline's safety standards were not adhered to. Crew and passenger health was put at risk and jeopardized. I felt compelled to board; impair my health rather than deservicing the passengers and the Company's schedule.
An A320 Flight Attendant reported even though the aircraft smelled strongly with a fuel odor; it was boarded and departed. Adherence to Company safety standards were questioned.