Static Grounding Devices

Clamps from Stewart R. Browne are the plier type with sharp, replace­able points. Strong, long-­lasting springs enable points to penetrate all paint, rust, etc. You must have bare metal contact to be able to draw off sta­tic electricity. The use of Browne ground clamps will allow you to comply with OSHA Standards.

While OSHA does not prescribe how, it does dictate when and where static grounding and bonding procedures must exist. For instance, when unloading or loading bulk carriers such as tank cars or tank trucks or transferring flammables in small containers, the following sections apply.

Sec. 1910.106(f)(3)(iv) (a, b&c) Static Protection.
(a) Bonding facilities for protection against static sparks during the loading of tank vehicles through open domes shall be provided:

(1) Where Class I liquids are loaded, or

(2) Where Class II liquids or Class III liquids are loaded into vehicles which may contain vapors from previous cargoes of Class I liquids

(b) Protection as required in (a) of this subdivision (iv) shall consist of a metallic bond wire permanently electrically connected to the fill stem or to some part of the rack structure in electrical contact with the cargo tank of the tank vehicle.

(c) Such bonding connection shall be made fast to the vehicle or tank before dome covers are raised and shall remain in place until filling is completed and all dome covers have been closed and secured.

Sec. 1910.1 06(e)(6)(ii) Grounding and Sec. 1910.1 06(f)(3)(vi) Container Filling Facilities.
Class I liquids shall not be dispensed into containers unless the nozzle and container are electrically interconnected. Where the metallic floorplate on which the container stands while filling is electrically connected to the fill stem or where the fill stem is bonded to the container during filling operations by means of a bond wire, the provisions shall be deemed to have been complied with.

Sec. 1910.107(e)(9) Grounding.
Whenever flammable or combustible liquids are transferred from one container to another, both containers shall be effectively bonded and grounded to prevent discharge sparks of static electricity.

The preceding Standards will provide reasonable assurance that static electricity can be reduced. However, it must again be remembered that no ground or bond will be effective unless it has continuity. This continuity must be checked at time of installation and quarterly thereafter.