SAFETYSENSE LEAFLET 28

FUEL HANDLING AND STORAGE

1 INTRODUCTION 6 DISPENSING FUEL 2 FIRE PREVENTION 7 RECORDING 3 SPECIFICATION & SUPPLY 8 FURTHER READING 4 STORAGE & EQUIPMENT 9 SUMMARY 5 SAMPLING & TESTING

1 INTRODUCTION a) The petroleum industry is the c) Licensed aerodromes are primary source of information about guided by CAP 748 ‘Aircraft Fuelling their products. However, there are and Fuel Installation Management’. also regulations which affect the Although CAP 748 should be referred handling of all petroleum products, to as the basis of the safety plan at including aviation fuel. every fuel installation, this leaflet provides more general advice to b) In addition to the regulations those who store or dispense fuel listed at paragraph 8, the Air Navigation away from licensed aerodromes. Order (ANO) lays down certain requirements for the person in charge d) Additional information and of an aviation fuel installation at an guidance about fuel handling and aerodrome, and also for personnel storage can be found in Energy carrying out refuelling. Aviation fuel is Institute or Joint Inspection Group defined as ‘fuel intended for use in (EI/JIG) publications, some of which aircraft’ and ‘any area of land or are listed in paragraph 8. water designed, equipped, set apart e) There are three basic hazards or commonly used for affording associated with aviation fuel: facilities for the landing and departure i) fire and explosion; of aircraft’ is an aerodrome. A pilot ii) fuel quality; and who stores his fuel, whether AVGAS, JET A-1 or MOGAS, at a strip (or a iii) environmental. back-garden landing pad), or even Everyone involved in fuel handling pours it out of a container, has the should be constantly aware of these same safety responsibilities as the and make every effort to minimise the fuel installation manager at an attendant risks. aerodrome licensed by the CAA.

April 2013 1 www.caa.co.uk/safetysense

2 FIRE PREVENTION c) Have a suitable, preferably foam but NEVER a domestic water a) Petroleum products are highly type, fire extinguisher available, and flammable. Sources of ignition such ensure you know how to operate it. as a lit cigarette should be prohibited Know how to contact the fire service within any fuelling zone, and at least if the worst should happen. No-one 16 metres (50 feet) from any open should be in the aircraft during fuel container or fuelling operation, refuelling. especially downwind. Other possible sources of ignition are sparks originating from exposed battery connections, operating electrical switches, metal studs on concrete, or electronic devices. Refuelling should not take place when there is a risk of lightning or other electrical activity. 3 SPECIFICATION & SUPPLY b) Static electricity can build up quickly, especially in cold dry a) AVGAS (100LL & UL91) and weather, and is a potential source of Jet Fuel (Jet A-1) purchasers can a spark and therefore ignition. To expect the fuel supplier to provide the minimise the risk, every piece of fuel to their storage facility at the refuelling equipment must be bonded approved specification and in the (earthed) throughout the process, approved manner. However, know and the bonding should be checked whom you should contact if you suspect regularly (resistance along the any problems with the fuel supplied. system should be less than 25 A small quantity of problem fuel will ohms). If fuelling from containers, a contaminate the whole container. device can be made from copper b) MOGAS may be used in aircraft braid, heavy duty crocodile clips and when permitted by CAP 747 a 'ground stake' to bond the tank, Section 2, Part 4, Generic funnel and container. If the aircraft Concessions (GCs) 2, 3, 4 and 5. itself is bonded, connecting to an The fuels used must conform to the unpainted area of the airframe or specifications listed in each individual engine may be sufficient, but for GC; beware of other fuels which may many aircraft it will be necessary to be widely available (often advertised connect to the filler neck itself. Do not as having special properties). use plastic containers, pipes or c) Only certain light aircraft are funnels unless they are electrically permitted to use fuel obtained from conductive. garage forecourts, as described in GCs 3, 4 and 5 and subject to the listed conditions. The sampling, analysis and acceptance controls for such fuel are less stringent than those for fuel at aerodromes, so take particular care that it is free from contamination.

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4 STORAGE & EQUIPMENT a jerrycan which previously contained a) A licence must be issued by the Jet Fuel. The fuel, containers and local Petroleum Licensing Authority dispensing systems must all be (PLA - normally part of Trading checked systematically to detect any Standards) to dispense petrol by contamination or deterioration. Filters mechanical or electrical means from should be cleaned and/or replaced a storage tank into an aircraft’s fuel following the manufacturer’s tank. Storing more than 20 litres of instructions, but ensure they are petroleum fuel outside the aircraft’s refitted the correct way round! immediate-use fuel tank, or keeping it f) Fuel in contact with air will in portable containers greater than 10 deteriorate with time, and litres’ (metal) or five litres’ (approved condensation of water vapour will plastic type) capacity, may also contaminate the fuel below. Fuel require a licence. Consult the PLA. should not be allowed to remain b) The oil company supplying the unused in hoses for long periods; fuel should be asked for assistance in recycle the fuel through them every the first instance. However, recent week if possible, ensuring the full changes in the organisation of fuel volume of the hose is changed. distribution and supply have led to a g) Containers must always be reduction in the involvement and kept closed, and not filled above 90% supportive resource which some to allow for expansion. However, suppliers can give. even in ideal conditions stored fuel c) Any container or apparatus for may lose its properties after a while. dispensing aviation fuel must be of a If petrol has been in undisturbed suitable type, specification and storage for more than three months, manufacture, and clearly marked with consider having a sample laboratory the grade of fuel it is intended for. tested before using it (six months for Hoses have a limited life and should Jet A1). Whilst much depends on the be fitted within two years from condition of the container and the manufacture. Nozzles with locking atmospheric conditions during ratchets should not be used for storage, the likelihood of significant over-wing fuelling. fuel performance degradation is real. d) To prevent contamination, the To minimise MOGAS deterioration, container (tank, jerrycan etc.), and all use freshly obtained fuel from a major parts such as hoses, seals and liners, supplier with a high turnover. must be of good quality materials h) Economic issues may which will not be affected by the fuel encourage owners to keep stocks at to be contained. Water should not be a minimum during periods of able to enter the container or any part inactivity. However, if levels in tanks of the fuelling system. are allowed to drop and remain low, e) The apparatus, container and the fuel at the bottom may depart its parts must be kept scrupulously from specification, affecting the clean with no chance of having been quality of the whole tank when it is re- contaminated by other liquids. For filled. A full tank is less likely to suffer example, do not transport AVGAS in either deterioration or water

SSL 28 3 April 2013 contamination. When fuel use is e) At least a small amount of forecast to be low, such as in winter, water can be expected, since keep containers as close to 90% full condensation will occur naturally. as possible. However, if water remains after one i) Aviation fuel can damage the or two samples have been discarded, environment, so any leakage must be suspect a failed seal or vent. contained. A tank may have a double Particles may indicate that the hose skin, the gap of which needs regular or tank lining is deteriorating, which checking. Otherwise, a concrete may block filters. ‘bund’, or bath which can hold the f) Samples should be kept in tank contents, should surround it. scrupulously clean non-corroding Consider how to minimise metal (ideally) or screw-top glass environmental damage from other jars. leaks, such as a jammed hose nozzle, and know whom to contact in the event of a major spillage. 5 SAMPLING & TESTING a) As described in CAP 748, a fuel sample should be taken from the delivery vehicle before it is accepted at the installation, checked, and kept for seven days. Samples should also be taken from the installation, checked and retained once the fuel has settled. You should also take These should be marked with the samples after heavy rain or snow, or date of sampling and kept cool and washing down the bowser or tank. out of daylight, which can cause rapid b) Samples must be taken from deterioration of the fuel. After seven the lowest point of the tank, where days, if they still appear in good water is likely to settle. Make sure the condition, samples may be returned low point is the lowest point! If a drain to the tank for later use, as may or sampling cock is not available, a recycled hose contents. ‘thief pump’ may be used. g) Alcohol is increasingly being c) Before issuing fuel to the first added to motor gasolines by oil aircraft of the day, take a sample companies. However, alcohol may from the hose nozzle, check it and cause damage to aircraft fuel retain it. systems, and is also likely to cause a d) Samples should be clear and reduction in power. Only certain bright. Inspect them for water and aircraft may use fuel containing contaminating particles. Consider alcohol, and to ensure it is absent water detection paste or papers. MOGAS requires an additional test, Check jet fuel for water using as detailed in SafetySense Leaflet 4 detection capsules which should be ‘Use of MOGAS’. in date and stored away from damp.

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h) Fuel in aircraft tanks is subject 6 DISPENSING FUEL to the same possible deterioration as a) Bond (earth) the aircraft and all that in storage containers, and equipment before opening filler caps. condensation is probably more likely. Park the aircraft with brakes off so it Samples should be taken from all can be moved away from any fire sampling points before flight and (chock the wheels if necessary). examined in accordance with the Where is the fire extinguisher? Flight Manual or Operating Handbook. b) Fuel, especially jet fuel, can cause skin irritation, and fumes can affect breathing. The vapour displaced by the fuel entering the tank will descend, but also blow with the wind. Consider wearing anti-static protective equipment and clothing. Do not open fuel containers indoors. c) If pumping from a fixed installation, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Devices designed to prevent over-filling and spillage are not always reliable. Nozzles can be damaged by scraping along the ground, and kinks can damage hoses. Ensure the area around filler necks is clean, and protect them and hose nozzles from water ingress. d) If dispensing by hand from a container, make sure the aircraft tank itself is bonded to the container and funnel. Place a filter just before the fuel enters the aircraft tank. A The picture illustrates the boundary chamois leather in the funnel should between a considerable amount of absorb water. From a full container, water and the AVGAS below. start pouring with the opening at the Consider what to do with the sample; top to minimise splashing and loss of small amounts of petrol poured onto fuel. Re-check the bonding before concrete will evaporate, but tarmac opening a second container. will be damaged. Do not consider e) A small amount of spillage may returning samples to aircraft tanks be expected. Splashes may not only unless they are completely free from irritate the skin, but chill it when it contamination. evaporates. Fuel-soaked clothing is a fire hazard, and even when dry may cause corrosive burning of the skin, so should be removed. Know where you can wash and change clothes.

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7 RECORDING 8 FURTHER READING a) There is a requirement to keep a) Article 217 of the ANO 2009 records relating to fuel for use in an contains the regulations concerning aircraft. aviation fuel at aerodromes. b) Record where and when you b) The Health and Safety obtained the fuel, and the type and Executive website www.hse.gov.uk quantity obtained or delivered, and includes useful background to confirm that the sample tested applicable safety regulations for the satisfactory. Record each occasion storage and transport of fuel. The when a sample was taken from the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928 tank and tested; whether it was applies to AVGAS and MOGAS. satisfactory; and if not, what was c) The Dangerous Substances wrong, for example how much water and Explosive Atmospheres was found, or what particles. (DSEAR) Regulations 2002 apply to those working with Jet Fuels. d) The Petroleum Spirit (Motor Vehicles etc.) Regulations 1929 and the Petroleum Spirit (Plastic Containers) Regulations 1982 concern fuel handling outside the workplace. e) For static installations, the Joint Industry Group (JIG) of petroleum

manufacturers produce the leaflet JIG 4 ‘Guidelines for Aviation Fuel c) You must also keep a record of Quality Control & Operating the quantity and grade of fuel Procedures for Smaller Airports’ for dispensed to each aircraft, and it is purchase and, with The Energy advisable to keep a running total of Institute, they are shortly to publish tank contents if appropriate. EI/JIG 1530 ‘Quality Assurance d) All maintenance and tests Requirements for the Manufacture, carried out on the equipment, such as Storage and Distribution of Aviation bonding checks, should be recorded, Fuels to Airports’. as should the times when the equipment is cleaned.

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9 SUMMARY a) Only use equipment suitable for dispensing fuel to aircraft. b) Ensure equipment is clean and marked with the intended fuel grade. c) Ensure you have any relevant licences. d) Ensure any leaks will cause minimum damage to the environment. e) Keep containers closed and full to 90% if possible. f) Keep sources of ignition well away from refuelling operations. g) Avoid static build-up by bonding all equipment before opening filler caps. h) Do not use plastic equipment unless it is electrically conductive. i) Have a fire extinguisher to hand and know how to contact the fire service. j) Only obtain MOGAS from garages with a high turnover. k) Test MOGAS for alcohol before use. l) Take, check and retain samples when required. m) Record supplies, issues, samples, tests and cleaning.

SSL 28 8 April 2013