Protect Yourself against static Electricity
Although almost impossible to avoid, static electricity can be controlled. The object is
to avoid creating an environment that promotes static electricity’s path, by presenting
a more attractive conductor for the charge to follow. Metal bonding and grounding
wires or cables are an effective control measure against electrostatic sparking. Wires
and cables provide a better conductive medium than air.
Below are some general guidelines and steps to safely transfer flammable liquids.
Bonding
- Bonding two conductive objects together results in the objects
possessing the same electrical potential, negating the risk of static
electricity. However, this potential can be different than the ground
potential. - When bonding, attach one clamp of the bonding wire to dispensing
container and the other clamp to the receiving container. Ensure
the connection is clean and metal-to-metal. for non-conductive
containers utilize a grounding wire or rod inserted into container.
Grounding
- Grounding one or more conductive objects to the ground results in
the object(s) possessing a electrical potential of zero. - When grounding attach a grounding wire to the copper grounding
bar on the perimeter of the room, and the other end to the
dispensing container, ensuring a metal-to-metal connection. Before
proceeding, the operator should discharge any electrical potential
they may have by making contact with the container or ground
wire.
Dispensing
- Dispense liquids slowly and carefully, minimizing any splashing
which could produce static electricity. - When finished dispensing, clean and return bonding and grounding
equipment to the designated location.
