Are personal electronic devices kept in pockets considered stowed?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if the pocket is zipped
• D. Only if the device is turned off

Answer: (B)

Stowed means secured in an approved storage location away from the work area so it cannot interfere with operations or pose a hazard. A personal electronic device kept in a pocket is still on your person and can be accessed, dropped, or snagged as you move, which can distract you or create a safety risk. Simply having the pocket zipped does not change that it’s still on you and not in a designated stow area. Turning the device off also doesn’t make the pocketed device stowed, since the location and securement don’t meet the required standard. So, devices in pockets are not considered stowed.