Avoid skin contact with liquid fuels and tank
water bottoms that can contain a high concentration of
FSII. If fuel or water bottoms do contact the skin,
wash with soap and water immediately.
Never wash hands in gasoline or jet engine fuels.
Remove fuel-soaked clothing or shoes at once.
Wear eye protection and clothing that leaves a
minimum amount of skin exposed during refueling
operations. This will help reduce bums in a fire.
Only use footwear that completely covers the feet
to provide protection against fuel spills and fires.
Shoes made of fabric or other absorbent materials are
not acceptable.
CONFINED SPACES
Personnel entering or working in or around con-
fined spaces who are exposed to fuels and fuel vapors
might encounter hazards such as
the lack of sufficient oxygen,
the presence of flammable or explosive vapors,
or
the presence of toxic vapors and materials.
These hazards may not always be readily appar-
ent, detectable by odor, or visually obvious to persons
entering or working within such spaces. Therefore, all
confined or enclosed spaces such as fuel tanks, refu-
eler/truck tanks and unvented deep pits (more than 5
feet) must be well-ventilated and tested prior to entry.
Poorly vented or unvented pump rooms, storage
areas, and unvented shallow pits (under 5 feet) must
be surveyed to determine steps necessary for gas-free-
ing or designation as a safe work environment.
To reduce risk, fuel-handling personnel ensure
the following:
1. NEVER enter a tank or equipment that has
contained any fuel until all safety precautions have been
followed, and then only with experienced, knowledge-
able supervision present.
2. Always use a blower-type mask or positive pres-
sure hose mask, boots, and gloves if you must enter a
confined area where fuel vapors may be present.
3. Employ the buddy system when entering deep
unvented or poorly vented pits—that is, low-point drain
pits.
SUMMARY
In summary, it is noted that the fueling operations
ashore or afloat are similar. The functions are basi-
cally the same, but the problems are a little different.
Many of these problems are made more acute, be-
cause of the sprawling area covered by fuels opera-
tions ashore and the many chances for introducing
foreign or contaminating materials into the fuel.
Some of the problem areas that require special
attention from senior ABFs are quality surveillance;
the close supervision and training of new personnel;
an effective training program; preventive mainte-
nance and proper use of equipment; cheerful coopera-
tion with civilian personnel of the fuels division; and
good management practices within the division.
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