Problems with static electricity
2 marks · NormalExplain why fuel tankers must be earthed before transferring fuel.
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To prevent a build-up of static electricity, which could cause a spark and ignite the fuel.
Also accept: To allow any static charge that has built up to flow safely to earth before fuel is transferred, stopping sparks.
Common mistakes: Just stating to protect the tanker without mentioning static or sparks.; Omitting the link to fire or explosion.
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Mentions the build-up or removal of static electricity.
B2 · 1 mark · Links static discharge/sparks to the risk of fire or explosion.
Worked solution
Earthing fuel tankers allows any static electricity built up while moving to flow safely to earth. This prevents sparks forming during fuel transfer, which could ignite the fuel and cause a fire or explosion.