Some Facts

Kerosene-Key Points
Kerosene is a major component (> 60%) of aviation (jet) fuels.
Fire

• Flammable
• Mixtures of kerosene vapour and air are explosive
• In the event of a fire involving kerosene, use normal foam and normal fire kit with breathing apparatus

Health

• Serious lung injury may occur if droplets of kerosene are inhaled e.g. if vomiting occurs after ingestion
• Acute and chronic exposure to kerosene may cause irritability, restlessness, drowsiness, convulsions, coma and death
• Irritating to eyes and skin
• The most common health effect associated with prolonged kerosene exposure is dermatitis
• Kerosene does not affect human reproduction or development
• Kerosene is not considered to be carcinogenic to humans

Environment

• Avoid release into the environment
• Inform Environment Agency of substantial incidents
• Safety precautions

Any fuelling operation can be very dangerous, and aviation fuel has a number of unique characteristics which must be accommodated. As an aircraft flies through the air, it can accumulate a charge of static electricity. If this is not dissipated before fuelling, an electric arc can occur, which may ignite fuel vapors. To prevent this, aircraft are electrically bonded to the fuelling apparatus before fuelling begins, and are not disconnected until fuelling is complete. Some regions require the aircraft and/or fuel truck to be grounded, as well.

Aviation fuel can cause severe environmental damage, and all fuelling vehicles must carry equipment to control fuel spills. In addition, fire extinguishers must be present at any fuelling operation, and airport firefighting forces are specially trained and equipped to handle aviation fuel fires and spills. Aviation fuel must be checked daily and before every flight for contaminants, such as water or dirt.

Petrol-Key Points
Fire

• Highly flammable
• Mixtures of petrol vapour and air may explode
• In the event of a fire involving petrol, use normal foam and normal fire kit with breathing apparatus

Health

• Serious lung injury may occur if droplets of petrol are inhaled (e.g. if vomiting occurs after ingestion)
• Harmful
• Inhalation may cause headache, dizziness and drowsiness.
• Often no symptoms occur following ingestion. In some cases, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may occur
• Petrol vapour may be irritating to the eyes and lungs
• Prolonged skin exposure to petrol may cause a variety of skin conditions
• Long-term exposure to high levels of petrol is associated with a range of disorders affecting the nervous system
• Petrol does not affect human reproduction or development
• There is currently no evidence that petrol causes cancer in humans

Environment

• Avoid release into the environment
• Inform the Environment Agency of substantial releases

Diesel-Key Points
Fire

• Flammable
• Mixtures of diesel vapour and air may be explosive
• In the event of a fire involving diesel, use foam and liquid-tight protective clothing with breathing apparatus

Health

• Irritating to eyes, lungs and skin
• Serious lung injury may occur if droplets of petrol are inhaled e.g. if vomiting occurs after ingestion
• Prolonged skin exposure may cause skin irritation
• Is possibly carcinogenic to humans
• Diesel is not considered to cause damage to the unborn child

Environment

• Dangerous for the environment
• Inform Environment Agency of substantial incidents