Technicians reported a fuel spill was caused by lack of proper coordination and communications.
Synopsis
Technicians reported a fuel spill was caused by lack of proper coordination and communications.
Narrative
Began by transferring fuel from tank 2 to tank 1; opened a fuel panel under the wing to facilitate an inspection. After successfully completing the first inspection with no defects found; we move onto another inspection and realized we needed to transfer more fuel to open the next panel down to facilitate another inspection of fuel related parts. We were in the tank for awhile inhaling the fumes; then went to transfer more fuel. By doing so; we miss to close the previous fuel panel which caused the fuel spill. As soon the fuel transfer started; one of us went outside to check on the wing and realized fuel was being expelled from the panel we forgot to close. As soon as we noticed; we immediately shut down the fuel systems and secured the spill from spilling further and prevented it from going into the storm drain. We then informed the Lead Technician and got all the necessary fuel spill equipment Immediately and begin cleaning up the spill. The Lead Technician then informed the proper authorities to access the issue. It was a human error which was influenced by the time spent in the fuel tanks inspecting the fuel ejector pump and fuel line. Ensure there is proper PPE to enter the fuel tanks; masks/ventilation.
Second reporter narrative
Began by transferring fuel from tank 2 to tank 1; opened a fuel panel under the wing to facilitate an inspection. After the inspection we had to move onto another inspection and realized we needed to transfer more fuel to open another panel to facilitate another inspection of fuel related parts. We were in the tank for awhile inhaling the fumes; then went to transfer more fuel. We did not close the panel before doing so; one of us went outside to check on the wing and realized fuel was being expelled from the panel we forgot to close. As soon as we noticed we informed the crew inside the plane to shut down to stop the flow. Immediately went to go get cleaning materials to stop the flow from going into the storm drain. I believe it was a human error which was influenced by the time spent in the fuel tank inspecting the fuel ejector pump and fuel line. Ensure there is proper PPE to enter fuel tanks; masks/ventilation.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.