Fuel Delivery and Air Induction: Service Precautions
Fuel Handling Precautions
Fuel vapor is highly inflammable and in confined spaces is also explosive and toxic. The vapor is heavier than air and will always fall to the lowest level. The vapor can easily be distributed throughout a workshop by air currents; consequently, even a small spillage of fuel is potentially very dangerous.
The following information provides basic precautions which must be observed if petrol (gasoline) is to be handled safely. It also outlines other areas of risk which must not be ignored. This information is issued for basic guidance only, if in doubt consult your local Fire Officer.
General
Always have a fire extinguisher containing FOAM, C02, GAS or POWDER close at hand when handling or draining fuel or when dismantling fuel systems. Fire extinguishers should also be located in areas where fuel containers are stored.
Always disconnect the vehicle battery before carrying out dismantling or draining work on a fuel system.
Whenever fuel is being handled, drained or stored, or when fuel systems are being dismantled, all forms of ignition must be extinguished or removed; any leadlamps must be flameproof and kept clear of spillage.
WARNING:
- No one should be permitted to repair components associated with fuel without first having specialist training.
- Do not remove fuel system components while the vehicle is over a pit.
Fuel tank draining
Fuel tank draining should be carried out in accordance with the procedure outlined in the FUEL DELIVERY section of this manual and observing the following precautions:
WARNING:
- Fuel must not be extracted or drained from any vehicle while it is over a pit. Extraction or draining of fuel must be carried out in a well ventilated area.
- The capacity of containers must be more than adequate for the amount of fuel to be extracted or drained. The container should be clearly marked with its contents and placed in a safe storage area which meets the requirements of local authority regulations.
- When fuel has been drained from a fuel tank the precautions governing naked lights and ignition sources should be maintained.
Fuel tank removal
When the fuel line is secured to the fuel tank outlet by a spring steel clip, the clip must be released before the fuel line is disconnected or the fuel tank is removed. This procedure will avoid the possibility of residual petrol fumes in the fuel tank being ignited when the clip is released.
As an added precaution, fuel tanks should have a 'FUEL vapor' warning label attached to them as soon as they are removed from the vehicle.
Fuel tank repairs
No attempt should be made to repair a plastic fuel tank. If the structure of the tank is damaged, a new tank must be fitted.
Body repairs
Plastic fuel pipes are particularly susceptible to heat, even at relatively low temperature, and can be melted by heat conducted from some distance away.
When body repairs involve the use of heat, all fuel pipes which run in the vicinity of the repair area must be removed, and the tank outlet plugged.