re-fuelling procedure

[pipergirl]

Was on a longhaul flight quite recently with a friend of mine who required wheelchair assistance.
I tagged along and we were escorted onto the ramp onto one of those van/lift things(sorry can't think of the proper name for them!) that lift wheelchair pax up to the a/c.

I was really surprised to find when we were being brought to the a/c, it was being re-fuelled (the fuel truck was right beside us!!)and there was quite a lot of activity going on around the a/c.
When we were at the gate, there were no announcements about the fact that re-fuelling was going on and boarding of the flight was not staggered.

The airline I work for has a clear policy for boarding whilst re-fuelling;
the fact re-fuelling is happening is announced(at the gate and whilst they are getting on the a/c)
pax boarded ten at a time, asked to take their seats asap
and asked NOT to fasten their seatbelts
the area around the fuel truck must be kept clear ( no catering trucks, baggage handlers etc)

I asked a another friend of mine from another airline about their policy regarding this and they have the exact same policies.
Is this a standard operating procedure with most airlines?

I was just very concerned that if something happened, there was absolutely no way for us (or any other poor buggars in the lift with us) to get out in case of an accident!!
I just thought it was a tad dodgy :oh:

[Maude Charlee]

Different companies have slightly diferent SOPs for procedures during refuelling, but it is standard practice where I work that pax can be boarded during fuelling ops. Stairs required front and rear, with crew in attendance, and either an engineer or flight crew on flight deck. Pax advised by PA that fuelling in progress and to keep seat belts unfastened and not to use phones or other electronic devices. All ground services continue as normal, provided the tanker has a clear path away from the a/c down the interstand clearway.

No fuss, no drama. Biggest hazard is usually plonker pax boarding/disembarking adjacent a/c whilst attempting to light fags or blabbing away on mobile phones the second they exit the a/c door.

Oh, and your transport is a cabin lift or ambulift. :D

[crjlover]

The refuelling during the handling ops are the normal procedure in all airport where my airline fly.
About the boarding it's is different by easch airport. In Italy you have to have the fire fighter truck at the aircraft if you are boarding o you have pax on board.