TM 10-4320-307-24
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SAFETY, CARE AND HANDLING (CONT)
d.
Fuel Handling Precautions. The pumping assembly is capable of pumping petroleum-based liquid fuels. Fuel
handling is hazardous When the pumping assembly is used to pump fuel, equipment and personnel must take
precautions against the toxic and combustive characteristics of the fuel and its vapors. Some basic
precautions for protecting equipment and personnel during fuel handling operations are listed In the following
subparagraphs These precautions represent minimum considerations for the safe operation of a fuel handling
pump. As such, they should be used to augment an existing fuel safety program and In no way limit or reduce
the scope of that program. These basic precautions may not be explicitly stated in the manual but are implied.
e.
Combustion Hazard Precautions. Petroleum-based fuels and their vapors are highly combustible. Improper
handling of these fuels can cause an explosion or fire resulting In serious Injury or death to personnel and
equipment damage When pumping fuels, observe the following precautions to prevent explosions or fire.
(1)
Prohibit smoking except in designated areas. Prohibit matches and lighters In hazardous areas.
(2)
Do not wear shoes with exposed nails, metal plates, or hobnails
(3)
Do not carry or wear exposed metal objects, such as knives, keys. or loose identification bracelets that
could cause sparks if struck or dropped.
(4)
Wear nonstatic clothing, with shirt sleeves rolled down and buttoned. and shirttails tucked In.
(5)
Do not carry or wear loose Items of clothing.
(6)
Keep shirt pockets empty.
(7)
Wear leather gloves and all-leather, rubber-soled boots for splash protection.
(8)
Never use liquid fuels as cleaning fluids for floors, equipment, clothing, etc.
(9)
Fuel vapors are heavier than air and will collect In low places such as pits or sumps; be especially
careful in such areas.
(10)
Open drums slowly, especially if they have been shaken or exposed to heat, to prevent a fuel-air mixture
from spewing out.
(11)
Beware of empty (or apparently empty) cans, drums, tanks, and hoses that formerly held fuel. Vapors
can remain long after the container has been emptied, and the fuel-air mixture is more likely to be
Ignited than the liquid alone (12) Dispose of oily waste or rags immediately after using by placing In a
self-closing metal container.
(13)
Avoid spilling fuel; clean up spills at once if they happen. Wipe up small spills or cover with dirt. Follow
local emergency procedures for large spills. Treat the area as dangerous until the vapors have gone.
(14)
Keep all fuel containers, whether full or empty, tightly closed except when In use.
(15)
Report leaks to the proper authorities. Do not operate leaky equipment.
(16)
Do not conduct fuel handling operations In a hangar, shop, or other confined area.
(17)
Allow at least 150 feet between bulk tank outlets and fuel dispensing points for fire safety.
(18)
Use only flashlights, drop lights, or lanterns approved for use in hazardous locations.
(19)
Use only explosion-proof electrical equipment and fixtures in hazardous areas; inspect often and correct
any conditions that could cause sparking, arcing, or overheating.
(20)
Open switches and pull fuses before working on electrical equipment
(21)
Equipment requiring welding and cutting operations must be clean and vapor-free; heaters, welding
torches, or blowtorches must not be used within 50 feet of fuel handling operations.
(22)
Stop all fuel handling operations during electrical storms.
(23)
Bonds and grounds should be tested frequently to ensure conductivity; repair or replace defective parts.
Bonds and grounds must be made before fuel flow begins and must not be broken until fuel flow ends.
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