Problems with static electricity

1 mark · Easy

State one reason why static electricity can be dangerous when refuelling vehicles.

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A build-up of static electricity could cause a spark, which might ignite fuel and cause an explosion or fire.

Also accept: A spark from static electricity could ignite flammable fuel.; A static discharge could cause a fire or explosion if it occurs during refuelling.

Common mistakes: Saying static causes a shock without mentioning fire or explosion.

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · States danger relates to sparking/ignition of fuel/fire or explosion; not just a shock.

Worked solution

Static electricity can build up while refuelling, and a spark could ignite the fuel, causing a fire or explosion.