Why aren’t people allowed to use the bathroom when the plane is fueling?
In: Other
I’ve been an airline pilot for 15+ years and I’ve never heard of passengers not being allowed to use the lavatory while fuelling.
This is from our Standard Operating Procedures Manual. Note that there is no restriction regarding the use of the lavs.
**Refuelling (either pressure or gravity) with passengers on board is permitted only if:**
1. At least one pilot is in the flight deck;
2. The minimum number of cabin crew is on board;
3. The cabin crew have been advised that fueling will take place by switching the seat belt sign OFF;
4. The no smoking sign is ON. The no smoking rule shall be enforced. No striking of matches or use of
flame-producing devices is permitted;
5. Photographic equipment is not used within 10 feet of the fueling trucks or the fill or vent points of the
aircraft fuel system;
6. For all aircraft, the designated evacuation exits during fueling are the 1L door and the 2L door. The
escape routes through and from these exits must be unobstructed during fueling;
7. The pilots and the cabin crew must be informed of any situation endangering the safety of the aircraft
and its occupants;
8. The 1L door shall remain open with a jet bridge or appropriate air stair connected during refuelling
with passengers on board. All other exits must be unobstructed and a cabin crew complement
appropriate to the number of passengers on the aircraft must be on board and positioned at or near
each designated evacuation exit during fueling;
9. Refuelling personnel are be promptly notified if fuel vapours or any other hazards are detected in the
cabin. If such conditions occur, the fueling shall be discontinued;
10. Emergency lighting is ARMED or ON;
11. Fueling is suspended when there are lightning discharges within 8 kilometres of the aerodrome;
12. Aircraft ground power generators or other electrical ground power supplies are not being connected
or disconnected;
13. Other combustion heaters used in the vicinity of the aircraft are manufactured to CSA or ULC
standards and approved in accordance with the Fire Commissioner of Canada for use in hazardous
atmosphere;
14. Known high energy equipment such as High Frequency (HF) radios are not operated, unless in
accordance with the aircraft manufacturer’s approved flight manual where the manual contains
procedures for the use of this equipment during fuelling;
15. Aircraft batteries are not being removed or installed;
16. External battery chargers are not being connected, operated or disconnected; and
17. Electric tools or similar tools likely to produce sparks or arcs are not being used.
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