Other / Unknown; Communication Breakdown; Physiological - Other
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Hazardous Material Violation; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
General Maintenance Action; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Airport; Human Factors
There was a large fuel spill. Between the XX and YY gates; originating from an underground fuel hydrant. The fuel erupted from the hydrant and proceeded to flood the immediate gate area as well as covering approximately two gates down (flowing westward). The local airport fire authority was contacted and responded as well as the Airport Operations.On going to work for my shift I immediately smelt the Jet-A fumes as soon as the shuttle transport van dropped me off at the ZZ gate. Within seconds of entering the terminal I began to get a headache as well as taste a metallic taste in my mouth from the fumes. I was very disconcerted by this as I knew that I still had an entire shift ahead of me in this very unsafe condition. On speaking to my associates I learned that they sat though these events in an office that was saturated in the heavy smell of Jet-A. They were give masks as an option to wear that are not OSHA approved for working in gas fumed environments (the masks were more or less cheap painters masks). There were complaints from fellow employees of headaches; nausea; dizziness; foul tastes in their mouths and dis-ease in general.To my knowledge the only evacuation given was by order of the on-site fire chief for ramp side personnel but not to those in the building. There was no back-up location to go to to escape this unsafe and hazardous condition; if there is one available then it was not utilized. On leaving the airport at the end of my shift I had to remove my work clothes as they reeked of fuel and had to take a shower as my exposed skin and hair smelled of fuel as well. As I write this I still have a stinging in my nose and feel stuffy in my head and sinuses. I worry for my health considering that I was breathing carcinogenic fumes for 9 hours.I do not feel that [Company] adhered in any way; shape or form to its own values that it touts at every chance that it gets to. I accept that incidents happen but it is how we deal with them and treat our employees when they occur that shows our worth. I feel less safe; and significantly less confident in the local management's abilities to look after my safety and well being while I am at work.
A substantial fuel spill occurred in the ramp area of Gate. This led to a large clean up effort; that led to multiple gate areas and the smoking area to be closed for much of the shift. Due to the proximity to the spill area; the Service Oversight Center was also affected. Strong odors of aviation fuel filled the SOC; but the lack of action by management little was done to rectify the situation. Throughout the course of the afternoon shift; strong smells of aviation fuel were pervasive throughout the SOC; and some of the passenger terminal adjacent to the gate areas affected by the spill. One Ground employee was transported as a result of the fumes. Other than opening doors and using fans to try and air out the SOC; very little was done to ensure the wellbeing of employees working. Management told employees that if they felt unwell; they could take a temporary walk or break outside of the SOC; which is not a permanent solution to the situation. Little regard was given for the well being of SOC employees in this circumstance. Other than plastic masks; no protection was given to the employees; and no alternate work areas could be arranged to keep employees out of an area that had a strong odor of aviation fuel. This was not a healthy or safe work environment; and lots more could be done in order to ensure the health and wellbeing of those scheduled to work during this shift. The odors became so bad at one point; that inflight elected to move their scheduled SOC personnel back to the inflight base instead. Instead of providing alternate work areas for SOC employees to safely perform their duties; it was decided that it would be best to just work with fans blowing and all doors to the ramp area open in an attempt to air out the SOC. This simply resulted in the odor of fuel to be constantly present in the SOC throughout the course of the shift.
Flight crew reported a fuel spill caused headaches and other symptoms due to the fuel fumes emanated.