Whilst Aircraft fuel-tank entry is essential for both inspection and modification it poses a number of hazards to maintenance personnel performing the work.
Fuel-tank work can be accomplished as required without placing personnel at risk through effective preparation and training.
The Maintenance Organisation should strive to ensure a safe, healthy work environment for fuel-tank personnel by identifying potential hazards, developing control measures, and instructing personnel in the specific procedures to be followed during all Aircraft fuel-tank maintenance activities.
An essential requirement to minimize exposure to the risk of injury during fuel-tank work is a properly trained and equipped team.
Personnel with authorization to enter the fuel tank and perform work must be able to recognize potential hazards and initiate evacuation if there are any concern issues.
The following elements are critical to safe working conditions:
a) Communication b) Respiratory protection c) Ventilation and air monitoring d) Electrically powered tooling & equipment e) Airplane damage considerations
There are a number of potential hazards which fuel-tank maintenance personnel may experience whilst engaged in Fuel Tank Work however the 2 primary hazards are:
a) Chemical b) Physical
Considering Chemical Hazards and their Consequences - Fuel
Off course the most commonly recognized hazard is the jet fuel itself which is a flammable liquid and will ignite if the temperature of the fuel is such that vapour is created. (The temperature at which the vapours of a flammable liquid can ignite is known as the "flash point".)
To ensure effective maintenance within the Fuel Tank Systems there is a need to develop procedures associated with Fuel Tank Entry, Personnel Protection, Working within the Fuel Tank Environment and Fuel Tank Closure.
The separate elements to consider include fully understanding the potential hazards - Fire and explosion, toxic chemicals as well as oxygen deficiency.
Procedures for entry within the tank, ensuring the safety of the environment for the maintenance worker.
Preparations include electrically grounding the aircraft, defueling in accordance with maintenance manual procedures and deactivating all associated systems to ensure personnel safety.
