Defueling and fueling of open fuel tanks
Maintenance personnel must be aware that fuel vapors can always escape from the airplane surge tank. For example, fuel can spill from the surge tank vents during fueling and/or defueling operations or if the tanks are overfilled.
For this reason, during the purging process and the refueling of tanks, the areas around the airplane are subject to stringent regulations. Due to the presence of flammable substances and the high risk of fuel vapor leakage, only the use of explosion-proof equipment is permitted.
During defueling, the areas around the airplane are considered flammable until all the fuel is removed and the tanks are fully purged. When the tanks are defueled, the areas around the airplane are considered fire safe.