(July 24, 2019) - - Today, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) published the following information:
WASHINGTON (July 24, 2019) — The National Transportation Safety Board issued Wednesday Safety Alert SA-079 warning providers of jet fuel to take measures to prevent contamination of jet fuel by diesel exhaust fluid.
Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is required for all new on- and off-road, diesel-powered vehicles, making the presence of the clear, colorless liquid more prevalent at airfields as refueling trucks are replaced. When introduced into a diesel-powered vehicle’s exhaust stream, DEF is beneficial in the reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions. However, when DEF is introduced into jet fuel, a chemical reaction occurs forming crystalline deposits that can accumulate on filters, engine fuel nozzles and fuel metering components, resulting in a loss of engine power.
When improperly stored in unmarked containers, DEF is a clear, colorless liquid that can be mistaken for other liquids found on the airfield, including fuel system icing inhibitors (FSII). Both DEF and FSII can be purchased in bulk and transferred to smaller containers for ease of use. Under these circumstances, unlabeled containers and common storage areas increase the likelihood of confusing these liquids.
The NTSB wants fuel providers to ensure they store all chemicals in labeled containers and that they add a “NOT FOR AVIATION USE” label to all DEF containers.
The NTSB created a safety poster to supplement the information contained in its Safety Alert 079, to warn against the inadvertent introduction of DEF into aviation fuel. (NTSB graphic.) |
NTSB Safety Alert SA-079 is available online at https://go.usa.gov/xy7D2 and a safety poster is also available at https://go.usa.gov/xy7Df .
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