What safety requirement should be observed during fueling to manage static electricity and grounding?

• A. Ensure equipment is grounded and static electricity controlled.
• B. Grounding is optional during fueling.
• C. Static electricity does not need control if you wear gloves.
• D. Only use a spill kit; grounding is unnecessary.

Answer: (A)

Static electricity can build up on fueling equipment and fuels, and fuel vapors are highly ignitable. If a discharge finds a path to earth, a spark can ignite those vapors. Grounding provides a low-resistance path for any charge to dissipate to the earth, while bonding ties all conductive parts together so they share the same electrical potential. When the equipment is properly grounded and static is controlled, there’s no dangerous difference in voltage between the nozzle, hose, vehicle, aircraft, or storage Tank, which prevents a spark at the fueling point. Gloves don’t replace grounding, and a spill kit won’t prevent static ignition. Grounding is a fundamental safety step during fueling.