Risk Assessment of Aircraft Fueling Operation: A Case Study of Margaret Ekpo International Airport Calabar

Abstract

This study has identified the failure events which can result in a fuel spill on the ramp during fuelling, aircraft maintenance and defuelling activities. Frequency data has been derived from a review of historical information on spills from a number of Nigerian airports . The main consequence of a release of fuel was determined to be a pool fire if the spill were ignited. It has been assessed that the risk from aircraft fuelling is not negligible . In terms of both individual and societal risk, hydrant fuelling presents a higher risk than fuelling using a refueller. Hardware and safety management measures have been recommended to reduce the risk. In some cases cost benefit analysis arguments have been used to support the selection of a particular measure. The recommended measures have been presented as: measures specifically designed to reduce the major contributors to the risk; and additional safety management measures which are not specifically related to the major risk contributors but which need to be implemented.

Keywords: Fuelling operations, Jet A -1, aircraft, AVGAS, Spill, Risk, Assessment.