B737-900
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Company Policy; Procedure
Is there a standard for seat belt buckle installation on aisle seats? Typically; the buckle is installed for an aisle seat farthest away from the aisle. However; I have noticed on a variety of fleets this is not true at random seats; including this 737-900. In particular seats 21C (mine) and 21D have the buckle installed on the aisle side. The belt and buckle on 21D; currently unoccupied; hangs in the aisle and is invariably kicked by anyone walking by. This subjects the buckle to unnecessary wear and tear and damage. It also poses a trip risk or possibility of lacerations to pedestrians' ankles and a potential hazard during an evacuation.
An Air carrier Maintenance Tech reported a lack of a published standard for seat belt buckle installation on aisle seats.