Which action helps prevent static discharge during fuel transfer?

Which action helps prevent static discharge during fuel transfer?

• A. Use high-pressure to speed transfer.
• B. Bond/ground the equipment.
• C. Open all valves to maximize flow before confirmation.
• D. Cap vent during transfer.

Answer: (B)

Static electricity can build up as fuel flows through hoses and storage equipment, creating a potential difference that can spark when the path is interrupted or connections are made. Bonding and grounding remove that risk by giving charges a safe, continuous path to flow to earth, equalizing potentials between the truck, hose, and storage tank. With a common electrical reference, a spark is unlikely to jump at connection points or during transfer, dramatically reducing the chance of ignition. The other actions don’t address static buildup. Using high-pressure flow speeds transfer but doesn’t mitigate electrical charge differences and can increase turbulence and leaks. Opening all valves to maximize flow before confirmation bypasses safety checks and can lead to spills or other hazards without solving static risk. Capping the vent during transfer prevents proper pressure and vapor management and can create dangerous conditions; it also doesn’t prevent static discharge. So, bonding and grounding the equipment is the essential measure to prevent static discharge during fuel transfer.

Static electricity can build up as fuel flows through hoses and storage equipment, creating a potential difference that can spark when the path is interrupted or connections are made. Bonding and grounding remove that risk by giving charges a safe, continuous path to flow to earth, equalizing potentials between the truck, hose, and storage tank. With a common electrical reference, a spark is unlikely to jump at connection points or during transfer, dramatically reducing the chance of ignition.

The other actions don’t address static buildup. Using high-pressure flow speeds transfer but doesn’t mitigate electrical charge differences and can increase turbulence and leaks. Opening all valves to maximize flow before confirmation bypasses safety checks and can lead to spills or other hazards without solving static risk. Capping the vent during transfer prevents proper pressure and vapor management and can create dangerous conditions; it also doesn’t prevent static discharge.

So, bonding and grounding the equipment is the essential measure to prevent static discharge during fuel transfer.