OSHA #511 Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry course

What is the role of grounding in relation to liquids?

1. To promote faster evaporation

2. To interconnect Class 1 liquids to prevent static discharge

3. To keep liquids at a lower temperature

4. To ensure liquids are stored in sealed containers

The correct answer is: To interconnect Class 1 liquids to prevent static discharge

Grounding plays a crucial role in managing the risk of static electricity that can build up when handling or transferring flammable liquids, especially Class 1 liquids. When these liquids are moved, particularly in a manner that causes turbulence or rapid flow, static charges can accumulate. If not addressed, this static electricity can discharge and potentially ignite flammable vapors, leading to explosions or fires. By interconnecting Class 1 liquids through grounding, any static charge that builds up can be safely dissipated to the ground, thereby minimizing the risk of ignition. This is a safety measure required in many industrial settings where flammable liquids are stored or processed. Grounding ensures that any generated static electrical discharge does not create a hazardous situation, allowing for safer handling of these materials. The other options do not accurately reflect the primary safety function of grounding with respect to liquids. Promoting faster evaporation, maintaining lower temperatures, and ensuring storage in sealed containers address other safety or operational concerns but do not relate directly to the prevention of static discharge inherent in the handling of flammable liquids.