Notice

Recommended packaging for the transport of Portable Fuel Pumps on board helicopters

Notice Summary

Issue

Suggested packaging for the transport of portable fuel pumps used to refuel helicopters.

Position

Portable fuel pumps are used to refuel helicopters to extend the helicopters range of flight in remote locations.  These pumps may contain residual flammable liquid. 

The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR) regulates the handling, offering for transport, or transporting of all dangerous goods, including flammable liquids to, from or within Canada.  However, TDGR Section 1.27 – Operations of a Means of Transport exempts portable fuel pumps used to refuel helicopters to extend their range of flight in remote locations from the requirements of the TDGR.

Transport Canada is recommending special packaging for these portable fuel pumps ensure their safe transport.

Introduction

This Notice pertains to portable fuel pumps which are used to refuel helicopters to extend the helicopters range of flight in remote locations, and is of importance to Helicopter Operator.

Portable fuel pumps may contain residual flammable liquid.
 

Regulations governing the transport of Portable Fuel Pumps containing residues of Dangerous Goods

The Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR) regulate the transport by air of portable fuel pumps containing residual flammable liquid within Canada.

TDGR Requirements

 TDGR Section 1.27 – Operation of a Means of Transport stipulates:
“These regulations do not apply to dangerous goods that are necessary for the safety of individuals on a means of transport or for the operation or safety of a means of containment or a means of transport unless the dangerous goods are forbidden for transport in Schedule 1 or Schedule 3.”

Recommended Packaging

Transport Canada is recommending the following be used by helicopter operators to transport portable fuel pumps containing residual flammable liquid when they are being used to refuel helicopters to extend the helicopters range of flight in remote locations:

The portable fuel pump should be packed:

1. In strong outer packaging;
2. In sufficient absorbent material to absorb the maximum amount of liquid which may possibly remain after emptying;
3. Where the outer packaging is not liquid tight, a means of containing the liquid in the event of leakage must be provided in the form of a leak proof liner, plastic bag or other equally efficient means of containment;
4. be so secured or cushioned as to prevent their breakage or leakage and so as to control their movement during normal conditions of transport. Cushioning material must not react dangerously with the contents of the receptacles. Any leakage of the contents must not substantially impair the protective properties of the cushioning material;
5. "Package orientation" labels (Figure 5-24), or pre-printed orientation labels should be affixed on at least two opposite vertical sides with the arrows pointing in the correct direction only when required to ensure liquid dangerous goods remain in their intended orientation; and
6. "Flammable liquid" label (Figure 5-9), or pre-printed flammable liquid label should be affixed in the correct direction.

Additional Recommended Safety Precautions

Smoking is prohibited on board the aircraft and each area or compartment of the aircraft containing dangerous goods is ventilated to prevent the accumulation of vapour.

Judith I. Code
Chief,
Dangerous Goods Standards
Commercial and Business Aviation

For additional information please call:

• Ottawa: (613) 990-1060
• Atlantic: (506) 851-7247
• Quebec: (418) 877-8868
• Ontario: (416) 952-0000
• Prairie and Northern: (780) 495-5728
• Pacific: (604) 666-5655
• Airline Inspection: (514) 633-3116

www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/commerce/DangerousGoods