Line Service Trng Requirements

This chapter provides guidance on the development of the supervisory fuel safety and the line service fuel safety training courses. This chapter also identifies the training topics that will be addressed in these courses based on the minimum standards established in 14 CFR §139.321 (b) (1) – (7) and §139.321 (e). Chapter 4 of this AC identifies additional training elements to include in the Supervisory Fuel Safety training course. These requirements encompass the supervisor’s role in training others.

2.1 Introduction.

2.1.1 14 CFR §139.321 sets forth the requirements for fuel safety training at certificated airports. These requirements include two distinct types of training for employees of agents handling aviation fuel: (1) supervisory training and (2) line service fuel personnel training. Training performed under the supervisory training program will be obtained by completing an FAA authorized Supervisory Fuel Safety training course. Line service fuel safety training may be provided by (1) a supervisor who has completed the supervisory course or (2) the completion of an authorized line service fuel safety training program. The material and program utilized by a certified supervisor to provide training to their company employees must contain all program elements outlined in paragraph 3.1. The material and program utilized by a certified supervisor to provide training to their company employees does not need to be reviewed or approved by the FAA. 14 CFR §139.321 requires that all fueling agent employees handling aviation fuels must complete fuel safety training (see paragraphs 2.1.3 and 2.1.4 for further details).

2.1.2 Incidents and accidents caused by the mishandling of fuels and other hazardous materials are vital concerns of both the FAA and airport operators. The FAA and other local and federal agencies are concerned with improper practices that lead to personnel injuries and damage to property, as well as environmental impacts caused by fuel and lubricant products that are not handled properly. For these reasons, airports certificated under Part 139 must ensure training is received in the areas listed in 14 CFR §139.321 (b) for personnel whose duties and responsibilities involve the handling and storing of hazardous substances and materials.

2.1.3 Part 139.321(e) (1) requires “At least one supervisor with each fueling agent must have completed an aviation fuel training course in fire safety that is authorized by the Administrator. Such an individual must be trained prior to initial performance of duties, or enrolled in an authorized aviation fuel training course that will be completed within 90 days of initiating duties, and receive recurrent instruction at least every 24 consecutive calendar months.” Should the local authority require additional training, beyond the regulatory requirement, it is the fueling agent’s responsibility to ensure all training requirements are fulfilled.

2.1.4 All other employees who fuel aircraft, accept fuel shipments, or otherwise handle fuel must receive at least initial on-the-job training and recurrent instruction every 24 consecutive calendar months in fire safety from the supervisor trained in accordance with paragraph 2.1.5. Should the local authority require additional training, beyond the regulatory requirement, it is the fueling agent’s responsibility to ensure all training requirements are fulfilled. Training for employees may also be completed using an approved line service fuel safety course. The FAA lists supervisory and line service programs currently available nationally in the Addendum, which is updated quarterly. It can be found along with this AC on the FAA’s website.

2.1.5 14 CFR §139.321 (b) places the responsibility of determining standards for fueling safety on the individual airport based on state, local, or municipality fueling regulations. The FAA does not intend this AC to replace airport procedures that are tailored to meet requirements imposed because of the use of special equipment or as a result of local regulations.

2.1.6 This AC provides guidelines in Chapter 6 for submitting a supervisory and/or a line service fueling safety program to the FAA for national acceptance.

2.1.7 General Components of a Fuel Safety Training Program.

2.1.7.1 General Training Topics.

The specific training topics included in a supervisory and line service fuel safety course must include, at minimum, the components outlined in the supervisor’s and line service training curriculum.

2.1.7.2 Fire Code in Effect.

2.1.7.2.1 NFPA 407, Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing, is a generally accepted best practice at many airports. However, the local fire code and regulations in effect at a specific airport may differ from NFPA 407. Information on local fire codes in effect are a vital component of fuel safety training and are a requirement of both the supervisory and line service program.

2.1.7.2.2 Airport Operators holding a Part 139 certificate should be aware that it is their responsibility to provide the fire code of the public body having jurisdiction over the airport to tenant fueling agents. The airport operator should review and maintain all government required permits for storage and operation.

2.1.8 Handheld Fire Extinguishers.

Each fueling agent supervisor or employee handling aviation fuel must receive hands on training in the proper use of handheld fire extinguishers every two years. Companies listed in the Addendum must provide this training or highlight the requirement for the student to receive this training from the local fire department or other qualified source. All fuel servicing supervisors and line personnel must complete fire extinguisher training within 60 days (before or after) their initial supervisory or line service training completion date, if it has not been provided by one of the certified fuel service training courses identified in this AC's Addendum. Fueling supervisors trained to teach handheld fire extinguisher training may provide this training.

2.1.9 Airport Specific Courses.

An individual airport may create and submit for approval a supervisory or line service course in fuel safety that is specific to an airport using the guidelines in Chapter 6. Such a course may exclude items from paragraph 3.1 that do not apply to that specific airport.

10. Hand-Held Fire Extinguisher Training - All fueling personnel, not just the supervisor, must receive fire extinguisher training every two years. The use of a live fire exercise is not required as part of this training. While extinguishing a live fire does provide the best training, the FAA understands there are limitations imposed in certain localities and will accept classroom training. Such training must include:

a. Purpose of the fire extinguisher.

b. How to identify the classification of extinguisher used for a liquid fuel fire.

c. The nomenclature associated with the different parts and components of a fire extinguisher.

d. How to inspect of the components of the fire extinguisher for serviceability.

e. Proper storage and removal of the extinguisher from the fueling vehicle or fuel cart.

f. Demonstration of the proper use/operation of an extinguisher (PASS):

i. Pull the safety pin,

ii. Aim nozzle at the base of the fire,

iii. Squeeze the handle from a safe distance, and

iv. Sweep the nozzle from side to side to extinguish the fire.

g. Demonstration by all course participants that they can select the appropriate extinguisher based on the type of fire.

h. Using a handheld fire extinguisher or realistic training device, and discharging agent from the handheld extinguisher to extinguish the fire.

Note: The use of a live fire exercise is not required as part of this training; however, a realistic training device must be used. Realistic training devices should have the approximate weight and discharge characteristics of the actual hand-held extinguisher used in fuel servicing areas.

Note: For training purpose only, the extinguisher can use water instead of dry chemical.

Note: All fuel servicing supervisors and line personnel must complete handheld fire extinguisher training either 60 days prior to or after completing either the supervisory or line service training if it was not provided by one of the certified fuel service training courses identified in the associated Addendum. The fueling supervisor may also have been trained to teach hands-on fire extinguisher training. Note: Fuel service supervisors can provide extinguisher training if they have been trained and have a class which includes all information found in section 3.1, paragraph 10.

5.2.5 Records of Training.

Records of training must differentiate between supervisor training and line service training.

1. Supervisor documentation must have the following wording:

a. Name of company doing the training

b. Name of individual who completed the “Fuel Safety Supervisor” training

c. “Has successfully completed all classroom and practical application for the requirements of 14 CFR §139.321(b)(1) through (b)(6) and §139.321(e) (1)”

d. Date of completion

2. Line training documentation must have the following wording:

a. Name of company doing the training

b. Name of individual who completed “Line Fuel Service” training

c. “Has successfully completed all classroom and practical application for the requirements of 14 CFR Part §139.321(b)(1) through (b)(7) and 139.321 (e) (2)”

d. Date of completion

3. The FAA does not endorse any training programs; however, documentation issued as a result of completion of an approved training program in fire safety may include the following:

a. A statement indicating the associated training program is on the FAA’s Addendum of approved training facilities.

Note: Records of training for courses that do not include hand-held fire extinguisher training must include a statement indicating “excluding hands-on fire extinguisher training”.

1. Purpose. This CertAlert clarifies the requirements for hands-on fire extinguisher training found in AC 150/5230-4B, Aircraft Fuel Storage, Handling, Training, and Dispensing on Airports.

2. Cancellation. This CertAlert cancels CertAlert 18-03, Clarification of Hands-On Fire Extinguisher Training, dated April 5, 2018.

3. Background. There is some confusion on the intent behind the language in AC 150/5230-4B about hands-on training for fire extinguishers, specifically section 4, Hand Held Fire Extinguishers. The intent is for all fueling personnel, not just the supervisor, to have hands-on fire extinguisher training every two years. It is also the intent that during this training the trainee will feel the weight associated with an extinguisher, know how it feels to discharge agent, and know how to sweep the nozzle toward a fire. However, a live fire is not required. While extinguishing a live fire does provide the best training, the FAA understands there are limitations imposed in certain localities and will accept recurrent training conducted with realistic training devices, as long as it meets all Hands on Training (HOT) provisions detailed below in item 4C.

4. Discussion. All other requirements of the AC remain intact.

a. All fuel servicing supervisors and line personnel must complete hand held fire extinguisher training within 60 days prior to (for supervisor’s, it must be after assuming the supervisor’s position) or within 60 days of completing either the supervisory or line service training if it was not provided by one of the certified fuel service training courses identified in the associated Addendum.

b. A Certificate or documentation for Hands on Extinguisher Training must be issued upon completion of the hand held fire extinguisher training.

c. Hands on Training (HOT) should consist of at least the following:

1. Purpose of the fire extinguisher.

2. How to identify the classification of extinguisher used for a liquid fuel fire.

3. Nomenclature of the fire extinguisher.

4. How to inspect of the components of the fire extinguisher for serviceability.

5. Proper storage and removal of the extinguisher from the fueling vehicle or fuel cart.

6. Demonstration of the proper use/operation of an extinguisher (PASS): Pull the safety pin, Aim nozzle at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle from a safe distance, and Sweep the nozzle from side to side to extinguish the fire.

7. Demonstration by all course participants that they can:

a. Select the appropriate extinguisher based on the size and type of fire, safely carry, approach a fire, and operate a portable fire extinguisher.

b. Using a hand held fire extinguisher or realistic training device, discharge agent from the hand held extinguisher in a manner sufficient to extinguish the fire.

i. Note: For training purposes, a realistic training device should have the approximate weight and discharge characteristics of the actual hand-held extinguisher used in fuel servicing areas.

ii. Note: For training purpose only, the extinguisher can use water versus dry chemical.