This entry simply tells crew how to handle an inoperative smoke detector in a lavatory. The answer is that the flight may depart provided the three listed steps are taken.

1. Trash is emptied (presumably to prevent a fire should someone throw a lit cigarette in the trash, which would not be detected with an inoperative smoke detector).

2. The door is locked and placarded "INOPERATIVE - DO NOT ENTER."

3. The lavatory is only used by crewmembers. (Presumably they can be trusted not to smoke.)


If a passenger opens a locked and placarded door, they're not violating the MMEL. They're violating the rule that requires them to observe all placards, lighted signs, and crewmember instructions.

But, the smoke detector in the OP's case was presumably operative, since it was not placarded as inoperative.