How can static electricity be a hazard during fuel handling?

Static electricity poses a significant hazard during fuel handling because it can lead to the ignition of flammable vapors or fumes. When fuel is transferred, especially during operations involving movement or flow, static charges can build up on equipment or vehicles due to friction. If these charges are not properly grounded, they can discharge and create a spark. This spark has the potential to ignite the flammable vapor concentrations that are often present near fuel handling operations.

Proper management practices such as grounding devices, using anti-static equipment, and maintaining appropriate distances between fuel handling activities and ignition sources are critical to mitigate this risk. This makes the understanding of static electricity hazards vital for safe fuel handling procedures.