When transferring flammable or combustible liquids, what precaution must be taken to prevent static electricity?

• A. Provide a bonding wire between the container and the receiving vessel
• B. Use nonconductive hoses
• C. Ventilate the area extensively
• D. Keep containers on wooden pallets

Answer: (A)

Controlling static electricity during liquid transfer is essential because friction and flow can generate electric charges in insulating liquids, and a discharge can ignite flammable vapors. The best precaution is to bond the source container and the receiving vessel with a conductor so electrical charges can move freely between them and equalize their potentials. This bonding eliminates the voltage difference that would otherwise create a spark at the moment of transfer, reducing ignition risk. Using nonconductive hoses would prevent this current from equalizing, actually increasing the chance of a static discharge. Merely ventilating the area helps with vapor buildup but does not address static charge. Keeping containers on wooden pallets can generate or store static charges and is not a protective measure. Bonding directly tackles the spark risk by maintaining electrical continuity between containers.