What is the primary purpose of grounding and bonding in hazardous materials operations?

The primary purpose of grounding and bonding in hazardous materials operations is to reduce the chance of spark from static electricity. Grounding involves connecting electrical systems to the earth or a conductive body that serves as a reservoir for electrical charges, helping to prevent the accumulation of static electricity. Bonding involves connecting two or more conductive objects together to ensure they have the same electrical potential, which mitigates the risk of electrical sparks that can ignite flammable vapors or dust.

In environments where hazardous substances are present, even a small spark can lead to potentially catastrophic incidents, such as explosions or fires. By effectively grounding and bonding equipment, tools, and containers, operators can significantly decrease the risk of static discharge that could ignite these materials.

While other functions like facilitating communication or protecting equipment can be important, they do not directly address the critical safety concerns associated with static electricity in hazardous environments. Enhancing visibility in smoke also does not relate to the functions of grounding and bonding, which focus specifically on electrical safety and preventing ignitions.