AMC1 SPO.OP.155 Refuelling with persons embarking, on board or disembarking    

CAA ORS9 Decision No. 1

OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES — AEROPLANES

(a) Operational procedures should specify that at least the following precautions are taken:

(1) One qualified person should remain at a specified location during fuelling operations with persons on board. This qualified person should be capable of handling emergency procedures concerning fire protection and fire-fighting, handling communications and initiating and directing an evacuation.

(2) Two-way communication should be established and should remain available by the aeroplane's inter-communication system or other suitable means between the ground crew supervising the refuelling and the qualified personnel on board the aeroplane; the involved personnel should remain within easy reach of the system of communication.

(3) Flight crew members and task specialists should be warned that refuelling will take place.

(4) ‘Fasten seat belts’ signs should be off.

(5) ‘No smoking’ signs should be on, together with interior lighting to enable emergency exits to be identified.

(6) Task specialists should be instructed to unfasten their seat belts and refrain from smoking.

(7) If the presence of fuel vapour is detected inside the aeroplane, or any other hazard arises during refuelling, fuelling should be stopped immediately.

(8) The ground area beneath the exits intended for emergency evacuation and slide deployment areas should be kept clear.

(9) Provision should be made for a safe and rapid evacuation.

OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES — HELICOPTERS

(b) Operational procedures should specify that at least the following precautions are taken:

(1) Door(s) on the refuelling side of the helicopter remain closed.

(2) Door(s) on the non-refuelling side of the helicopter remain open, weather permitting.

(3) Firefighting facilities of the appropriate scale be positioned so as to be immediately available in the event of a fire.

(4) Sufficient qualified personnel are on board and be prepared for an immediate emergency evacuation.

(5) If the presence of fuel vapour is detected inside the helicopter, or any other hazard arises during refuelling, fuelling should be stopped immediately.

(6) The ground area beneath the exits intended for emergency evacuation be kept clear.

(7) Provision should be made for a safe and rapid evacuation.