If you own a commercial property on which you plan to build an aviation fueling system, there are plenty of rules you’ll need to follow to adhere to the guidelines set up both nationally and provincially. When it comes to dealing with fuel, most rules are put in place to ensure the safety of the individuals who use the facility as well as those that live nearby. Fuel is highly flammable and, of course, can also contaminate things such as water and soil, so strict adherence to these guidelines is essential.
Fuel Storage
As you consider the design particulars for your fuel storage, you should take into account both your current needs and your future ones as well. Do you think your facility will grow in the next five years? Will you be servicing more aircraft? If so, then you should plan for it at the start rather than consider a (usually) more expensive upgrade in the future.
Because there are many design options and numerous regulatory requirements as well, you should employ the services of an experienced vendor from the start. A company that has familiarity with aviation fuel storage construction and design is ideal as they can guide you through the process from start to finish.
You’ll need to consider the tanks, of course, and whether they should be above ground or underground. You may need to talk about perimeter fencing or bollards, fire safety provisions, fuel transfer points, filtration requirements, and much more. A fueling system expert can explain all the particulars and how they pertain to your specific situation.
Inspections
With aviation fueling systems on your property, you’ll need to perform routine fuel inspections frequently, or train some of your personnel to handle it. Completing all the regularly scheduled inspections of the fueling equipment are essential in order to meet safety standards and for maintaining quality as well.
You’ll have a long list of things you need to check daily as well as monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, and annually. Some of these include:
- Daily – You’ll need to inspect the system each day for issues such as fluid leaks and fire safety concerns and will need to check hoses, nozzles, dust covers, bonding cables, and tank sumps. You’ll want to make sure you have personnel that’s been thoroughly trained to do these daily checks.
- Monthly – Each month, you’ll need to do a filter membrane test, check fuel hoses for cuts or abrasions, remove and replace fuel nozzle screens, verify that the proper signage is in place, check all fire extinguishers, and check levels for fuels with additives. These checks should be scheduled for the same day each month (i.e., the 1st or 15th, perhaps) for the purpose of continuity and thoroughness.
- Quarterly – Every 3 months, you’ll need to check pressure controls, the emergency fuel shutoff system, the water defense system, and the overfill protection equipment. Satisfactory operation should be verified for all of these components.
- Semi-annually – Hose pressure checks should be made at least twice per year as well as other checks recommended by your vendor.
- Annually – Each year, the fuel storage tanks should be visually inspected to make sure the coating is in good condition and to check for any other obvious problems. Owners of fuel aviation systems should also check filter differential pressure gauges, nozzle fueling pressure gauges, operating tank vents, line strainers, meter calibration, and anything else that has not been reviewed during the periodic checks.
Certainly, that’s a lot to do and a lot to remember. That’s why it’s essential to have a good partner in place as soon as you make your dive into the world of aviation fueling. At Western Oil Services, we install every product we sell and work closely with the leading manufacturers of retail fueling equipment, like OPW. We design and build or work with designers to make your fueling system right for you and your property.
In addition, our experts are maintenance pros and will perform visual inspections at regular intervals, aiming to help you keep your system operating in tip-top condition and in accordance with the regulations of your municipality.
For more information and details about aviation fueling systems, call us at 1-800-663-2097.