If a fuel leak is suspected during operation, what steps should be taken?

• A. Stop engine, contain the leak, notify supervisor, apply emergency procedures, inspect and repair according to SOP
• B. Ignore and continue
• C. Stop engine, but do nothing else
• D. Increase fuel flow to flush leak

Answer: (A)

Fuel leaks create fire, explosion, and health hazards, so safety steps must be taken immediately. The proper response is to stop the engine if it can be done safely to cut off fuel flow and reduce ignition risk, then contain the leak to minimize spread and exposure. Notify the supervisor so the right personnel can implement the facility’s emergency actions and coordinate response. Apply the established emergency procedures to manage the situation according to trained, documented steps, protecting personnel and equipment. Finally, inspect and repair according to the standard operating procedure, ensuring a proper repair and documentation before returning the system to service.

Avoid continuing operation—fuel vapors and leaked fuel can ignite. Stopping the engine but doing nothing else leaves the leak unaddressed, and increasing fuel flow would only intensify the problem and risk.