What safety protocol should be followed during fuel transfer operations?

Ensuring proper grounding and bonding during fuel transfer operations is crucial for preventing static electricity buildup, which can ignite fuel vapors and lead to dangerous fires or explosions. Grounding involves connecting the transfer equipment and the storage tank to the earth, while bonding links together the equipment involved in the transfer process. This helps to equalize electrical potential and prevent sparks that can occur due to static charges.

The other options, while important for overall safety, do not specifically address the critical concern of static electricity in fuel transfer operations. While using protective gear is necessary for personal safety and minimizing machinery usage can reduce risks, they do not address the specific risks presented by static electricity as effectively as proper grounding and bonding. Performing transfers at night does not inherently enhance the safety of the operation either; in fact, it may introduce additional risks due to reduced visibility. Thus, grounding and bonding stand out as a fundamental safety protocol in ensuring a safe fuel transfer environment.