What is the purpose of bonding and grounding in explosive safety?

The purpose of bonding and grounding in explosive safety is primarily to prevent the buildup of static electricity. This is crucial in environments where explosives are present, as static electricity can create sparks that might ignite explosive materials. By ensuring that equipment and personnel are properly bonded and grounded, the risk of static discharge is significantly mitigated, thereby enhancing safety during handling, storage, and transportation of explosives.

Bonding connects conductive objects to ensure they are at the same electrical potential, while grounding provides a safe path for electrical currents to dissipate into the earth. This combination helps maintain a stable electrical environment and reduces the likelihood of static electricity accumulation.

While other options may relate to electrical systems, they do not specifically address the primary concern of static electricity hazards associated with explosives, which is the focus of bonding and grounding practices in this context.