Review of Bonding Practices of Ship-to-Shore Facilities Handling Petroleum Products

In the operation of ship-to-shore or ship-to-dock oil handling facilities, the spillage of petroleum products can and frequently will occur as a normal part of the operation. The vapours of the spilled product, under certain conditions, can form a hazardous atmosphere which, when ignited, will lead to explosions and fires. One of the potential sources of ignition has long been recognized as arcs resulting from uncontrolled currents or from sparks resulting from uncontrolled potentials. In order to avoid, minimize, or render harmless these currents and potentials, it has been the practice, at the product handling facilities, to metallically interconnect and/or connect to earth the handling facilities. Terminology, stray current and potential phenomena, present bonding practices, and policies as carried out by a number of petroleum product handling companies or as required by regulatory bodies and Harbor Boards are reviewed.