How should potential fire hazards be managed during fueling operations?

Managing potential fire hazards during fueling operations is crucial for safety and compliance with regulations. Maintaining proper bonding between the fueling unit and the aircraft is essential because it minimizes the risk of static electricity buildup, which can lead to sparking and potentially ignite flammable vapors during the fueling process. Proper bonding ensures that any electrical charges that may build up are safely dissipated, reducing the risk of a fire.

While the other approaches, such as ensuring safety valves are closed or using fire extinguishers, are important safety measures, they do not specifically address the fundamental risk factors involved in fueling operations. Limiting fueling to specific hours may help reduce risks in certain scenarios, but it is not a comprehensive safety strategy like proper bonding, which directly targets a common hazard associated with fueling. Thus, focusing on the bonding process is a proactive and effective way to manage fire hazards effectively during fueling operations.