Open valves slowly to reduce or prevent any splashing in tanks. Conduct overwing refueling only as a last resort and then only if of operational necessity or if aircraft design dictates. Hold hot-refueling operations to the absolute minimum possible. Cold refueling operations are in- herently safer and are preferred to hot refueling. REDUCING AND CONT ROLLING VAPOR GENERATION To help prevent fires by reducing or controlling vapor generation, activities must ensure the following actions: 1. Do NOT handle aviation fuel in open contain- ers. 2. Do NOT refuel, defuel, or drain aircraft or conduct fuel-handling operations in a hangar or con- fined area except for the removal of water and the extraction of samples from aircraft low-point drains. This does not apply to structures specifically designed for these operations. 3. Keep all fuel containers, such as aircraft fuel tanks or filters, closed except when necessary to open for actual operation or maintenance. 4. Avoid spilling fuel during fuel-handling op- erations. 5. Take immediate action to clean up any spill that occurs. 6. Properly dispose of oily waste or rags immedi- ately after using. 7. Never drive or move a refueler or defueler with a leak in the tank, piping, or other equipment. 8. Report all leaks in any portion of the fuel-han- dling facilities to the FMO. 9. Treat empty or apparently empty carts or con- tainers that formerly held aircraft fuels as though they still contain fuel. These containers will still contain vapors and are dangerous for many days after they have been emptied. 10. Be aware that fuel vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low places, such as pits, sumps, and open sewers. 11. Never dispose of waste fuel in storm water or sanitary sewer systems. 12. Never top load or splash fill tanks. (This does not prohibit overwing refueling of aircraft that are solely configured for this operation). 13. Keep all equipment and work areas neat, clean, orderly, and in good mechanical condition. 14. Make sure fire-fighting equipment and extin- guishers are in good condition and readily available. 15. Never use gasoline or jet engine fuel as a cleaning agent. EXTINGUISHING FIRES Although the Air Station’s Crash Crew has prime responsibility for firefighting, all fuel-handling per- sonnel should be aware of the basic principles in- volved in extinguishing fires, as well as the equipment used. They also should make certain that appropriate fire-fighting equipment, in good condition, is readily available whenever and wherever fuel-handling op- erations are being conducted. All refueling personnel will receive flightline fire-fighting training initially and annually thereafter. MINIMIZING HEALTH HAZARDS Not only must aviation fuels be handled with caution because of the obvious dangers associated with possible fires and/or explosions, the materials themselves present a danger to the health of fuel-han- dling personnel. These dangers are equally important as those of fires and explosions even though they are not so well known. To minimize health dangers, fuel-handling per- sonnel must take the following actions: Avoid entering enclosed areas where fuel vapors are present. Keep to an absolute minimum the amount of time spent breathing fuel vapors. Good ventilation of work spaces is essential. Stay on the windward, or upwind, side of a spill if you must remain in an area where a large spill has occurred. Stay on the windward, or upwind, side when con- ducting fuel-handling operations where the formation of vapors is unavoidable, such as at a truck fill stand. Stop the fuel-handling operation and move to a fresh air location immediately if you feel dizzy or nauseated. 7-30