TM 55-1520-240-23-8
10-9
FUEL CELL PRECAUTIONARY CRITERIA — GENERAL INFORMATION
10-9
INITIAL SETUP
Applicable Configurations:
All
Tools:
None
Materials:
None
Personnel Required:
Medium Helicopter Repairer (2)
Inspector
References:
Task 10-18
Equipment Condition:
As Required
All regulations and instructions
for handling fuels shall be strictly
observed.
1.
The following precautions shall be observed
before and during removal, cleaning, repair and
testing of fuel tank cells.
Do not puncture or scratch lining
of fuel cell. If lining is broken, fuel
penetrates and activates self-sealing
layers. Activated layers swell and trap
fuel. Activated green spongy material
also contaminates fuel system. This
makes it necessary to replace fuel cell
and flush fuel system.
Purge fuel cell prior to removal from
aircraft and/or entering the cell.
Entering the fuel cell is considered to
be anytime the mechanic’s head is
inside (including partially inside) of
the fuel cell.
a.
Work only in approved areas with adequate
ventilation and where emergency equipment
can move freely. Initial deactivation must be
done out-of-doors.
To prevent asphyxiation from fuel,
oil, and other fumes, wear protective
clothing, a respirator, a full facepiece,
and rubber gloves. Use an air
compressor to continuously pump air
into the tank when personnel are in
the tank. Ground the air hose to the
airframe. Assign a man to monitor
the person in the tank in case he is
overcome by fumes.
b.
Be careful when handling fuel cell at
temperatures below 20ºF (-6.67ºC) to
prevent cracking molded sections.
c.
Make sure fuel cell and all cleaning, repair,
and test equipment are properly grounded.
d.
Do not enter cell unless another man is
available as safety monitor.
e.
Do not enter fuel cell unless wearing shoes
and with no tools in your pockets.
f.
Do not enter fuel cell with tools in your
pockets.
g.
Do not allow hot work lamps to contact fuel
cell. If possible, use fluorescent lamps for
work inside cell.
h.
Do not expose fuel cell to any source of
strong light for a long period.
i.
Protect fuel cell at all times from sharp
objects and from extremes of temperature
and humidity.
j.
Preserve any fuel cell that will not be returned
to service in 10 days to prevent cracking of
inner walk (Task 10-18).
FOLLOW-ON MAINTENANCE:
As Required
END OF TASK
10-48
