During fueling operations, what is the purpose of bonding and grounding?

• A. They prevent static electricity buildup and sparks.
• B. They speed up fueling.
• C. They guarantee no leaks.
• D. They are optional.

Answer: (A)

During fueling, bonding and grounding serve to prevent static electricity buildup and sparks by equalizing electrical potential between the vessel and the fueling equipment. As fuel flows, static charges can develop on the metal surfaces and in the vapors. If a spark forms, it can ignite fuel vapors. A bonding connection ties the vessel to the fueling hose or equipment, while a grounding connection routes any accumulated charge to earth, giving static somewhere for the charge to go safely. This keeps the potential difference near zero and markedly reduces ignition risk during fueling.

They don’t speed up fueling, they don’t guarantee there will be no leaks, and they aren’t optional—safety procedures require bonding and grounding to minimize ignition hazards.