Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 0; Flight Crew Total 3826; Flight Crew Type 1305
Troubleshooting; Physiological - Other
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Other / Unknown; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General None Reported / Taken
Airport; Procedure; Human Factors; Company Policy
Upon landing in YSSY we were told the aircraft needed to be disinfected with a spray. They had us turn off the air conditioning and proceeded to spray the cabin with an insecticide. They made the crew and passengers remain onboard and closed the doors; the spray was so heavy it set off smoke detectors. One of the flight attendants had a very bad reaction to it and had to wash out the eyes; the next day flight attendant complained of a sore throat.I read the can and it is to be used as an aircraft insecticide. It is not intended to be used on humans.One of the warnings is avoid breathing fumes; mists; vapors; or spray. First Aid: If swallowed; do not induce vomiting; contact a poison information center. If in eyes; flood with water; if on skin wash with soap and water.They are spraying this on everyone; including a one month old baby. I confronted the agent who was spraying it (she was in a full hazmat suit) and all she said was the health minister authorized it. I complained that the can clearly states its poisonous to humans. They should not be doing this with passengers and crew onboard.
Air Carrier First Officer reported YSSY ground personnel boarded the aircraft and began spraying with the cabin crew and passengers still on board.