A large percentage of the work involved in performing inspection and modification of aircraft fuel tanks and their systems is typically carried out with the fuel tank itself. Such tasks require maintenance personnel to physically enter the tank, where significant environmental hazards exist.
Fuel Tank related work is one of the most difficult challenges an aircraft maintenance worker may face. Not only the challenge of physical entry and moving around within the tank, the additional challenge of multiple hazards including health and safety hazards, most notably oxygen deficiency, flammability, explosion and the toxic effects of fuel vapours.
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.
