Container Controls
Flammable liquids should be handled only in approved
containers or safety cans appropriately labeled.
Fire Prevention Precautions
During aircraft cleaning or refurbishing operations
where flammable or combustible liquids are used, the
following general safeguards are recommended:
- Aircraft cabins should be provided with ventilation
sufficient at all times to prevent the accumulation
of flammable vapors. To accomplish this, doors to
cabins shall be open to secure maximum advantage
of natural ventilation. Where such natural
ventilation is insufficient, approved mechanical
ventilation equipment shall be provided and used.
The accumulation of flammable vapors above
25 percent of the lower flammability limit of the
particular vapor being used, measured at a point
5 feet from the location of use, shall result in
emergency revisions of operations in progress.
- All open flame and spark producing equipment
or devices that might be brought within the vapor
hazard area should be shut down and not operated
during the period when flammable vapors may
exist.
- Electrical equipment of a hand portable nature
used within an aircraft cabin shall be of the type
approved for use in Class I, Group D, Hazardous
Locations as defined by the National Electrical
Code.
- Switches to aircraft cabin lighting and to the
aircraft electrical system components within the
cabin area should not be worked on or switched
on or off during cleaning operations.
- Suitable warning signs should be placed in
conspicuous locations at aircraft doors to indicate
that flammable liquids are being or have been
used in the cleaning or refurbishing operation in
progress.
Fire Protection Recommendations
During aircraft cleaning or refurbishing operations
where flammable liquids are used, the following general
fire protection safeguards are recommended:
- Aircraft undergoing such cleaning or refurbishing
should preferably be located outside of the hangar
buildings when weather conditions permit. This
provides for added natural ventilation and normally
assures easier access to the aircraft in the event of
fire.
- It is recommended that during such cleaning or
refurbishing operations in an aircraft outside of the
hangar that portable fire extinguishers be provided
at cabin entrances having a minimum rating of
20-B and, at minimum, a booster hose line with
an adjustable water spray nozzle being available
capable of reaching the cabin area for use pending
the arrival of airport fire equipment. As an alternate
to the previous recommendations, a Class A fire
extinguisher having a minimum rating of 4-A plus
or a Class B fire extinguisher having a minimum
rating of 20-B should be placed at aircraft cabin
doors for immediate use if required.
NOTE 1: All-purpose ABC (dry chemical) type
extinguishers should not be used in situations
where aluminum corrosion is a problem if the
extinguisher is used.NOTE 2: Portable and semi-portable fire detection
and extinguishing equipment has been developed,
tested, and installed to provide protection to aircraft
during construction and maintenance operations.
Operators are urged to investigate the feasibility
of utilizing such equipment during aircraft cabin
cleaning and refurbishing operations.
- Aircraft undergoing such cleaning or refurbishing
where the work must be done under cover should
be in hangars equipped with automatic fire
protection equipment.
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