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AIRCRAFT REFUELING 16 GROUND SUPPORT WORLDWIDE • APRIL 2014 tection and life safety for aircraft fuel servicing operations in their document, NFPA 407, Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing. BEST WAY Many times as we go through our work- day in our respective careers we won- der why we do things the way we do. And we wonder if we are doing things right, or the "best way." This brief in- troduction and overview of the opera- tions section of NFPA 407 will enlight- en you as to why fueling operations are conducted as they are, and serve as a guideline to ensure that your opera- tion is performing these operations in a safe, and code compliant manner. NFPA 407, Chapter 5 outlines the required safe operational practices during fuel operations. • The foremost requirement is that only properly trained per- sonnel are permitted to conduct fueling operations. Besides being trained on the prop- er use of fueling equipment, operators must also be trained on the operation of emergency controls and the actions to be taken in the event of an emergen- cy. All training records should be main- tained and made available to the local fre offcial (commonly referred to as the AHJ, authority having jurisdiction) when requested. • Fuel vehicles shall be marked. This standard requires both sides of the fuel vehicle to be marked with the name of the operator or responsi- ble organization. Other standards also mandate the fuel trucks be properly placarded with type of fuel and associ- ated hazard. • If a spill should occur the fol- lowing procedures should be followed: activate the emergen- cy fuel shutoff, notify supervisor, initiate clean-up by trained per- sonnel only. If the spill is greater than 10 feet or more than 50 feet squared or presents an imme- diate hazard, the airport fre rescue crews should be notifed to respond. • The integrity of the emergen- cy fuel shutoff system shall be maintained at all times. There shall always be a clear access path to these devices. This standard re- quires that the emergency fuel shutoff systems be functionally tested every 6 months, and each device tested annu- ally. These tests and any defciencies shall be documented and associated records retained. • When passing through pumps, piping, and flters of a fuel sys- tem aviation gas and Jet A fuels create an electrostatic charge. To prevent spark and possible ignition, the fuel equipment shall be bonded to the aircraft. The bonding cable shall be attached prior to, and throughout, the fueling operation. When fueling is complete, the bonding cable shall be removed in the reverse order from which it was ap- plied (it was placed frst, it should be detached last). • Special notice should be given to the position of other vehi- cles around the aircraft prior to beginning the fueling process. Internal combustion engine vehicles should not be permitted within 50 feet of the aircraft being fueled. The vehicle performing fueling operations is not to be positioned within 10 feet of the air- craft fuel vent system. • The use of electrical equipment on the servicing ramp during fueling shall be prohibited. This includes battery chargers, con- necting/disconnecting of ground power generators, power tools, photographic equipment, and communications devic- es. Additionally, any connected ground power units should be positioned as far as possible from fueling points and tank vents. AviationPros.com/company/10017906 gsm_14-18_AircraftRefueling_V4.indd 16 4/10/14 9:43 AM