03/18/2026
Transferring flammable materials comes with serious risks. In one incident, a driver filling a metal container from a top nozzle ended in a serious fire, leaving second- and third-degree burns to 20% of the driver’s body. Further investigation showed the incident was caused by a static discharge, igniting the solvent vapors.
There are two basic techniques to protect against static electricity:
âśž Bonding eliminates any difference in electrical potential between two or more objects, allowing free flow of charges between objects. This equalizes the potential between the bond and reduces the likelihood of a spark.
âśž Grounding eliminates the potential between the object and the ground. By using a conductive path into the earth, a proper ground is created to discharge the conductive body and reduce the risk of a spark.
Proper planning and coordination are necessary for safe bonding and grounding practices. Procedures and training for simple techniques significantly impact workers' safety.
To learn more about bonding and grounding techniques, read our article: