The flight crew is referred to the Upper and Main Deck Smoke Evacuation check list from the main deck cargo fire/smoke procedure "if a smoke condition exists in the passenger area". This procedure instructs the non-flying pilot to determine the status of the smoke in the cabin, and outlines a descent to 14 000 feet or the Minimum en-route Altitude (MEA) "if an immediate landing cannot be made and smoke condition is extremely severe". The procedure also calls for the crew to be on 100% oxygen, with smoke goggles on if necessary. The pilot not flying is to identify the cabin doors to be opened for smoke evacuation. The aeroplane is depressurized, is slowed to below 200 knots, and the doors to be opened placed in manual mode. The door/s is/are partially opened at the captain's direction. The captain stated to Mauritius approach control that the aeroplane was in a descent to FL 140 due to a smoke problem in the aeroplane, but he did not say whether the smoke had reached the flight deck. Cockpit smoke evacuation procedures are not used unless the smoke source is inside the cockpit.
