What is a basic approach to preventing static buildup when handling munitions?

• A. Use bonding/grounding, avoid synthetic clothing that generates static, and maintain moisture control where appropriate.
• B. Avoid bonding and grounding to reduce resistance.
• C. Wear dry synthetic clothing to reduce moisture.
• D. Increase humidity to 0% to prevent static.

Answer: (A)

Static discharge is a primary ignition hazard when handling munitions, so the goal is to keep charges from building up and finding a path to earth. Bonding and grounding create a safe path for any static charge to equalize with the earth, preventing a sudden spark when a munition is touched or connected. Controlling moisture levels helps; when the environment has some moisture, surfaces and air conduct charges better, so charges dissipate rather than accumulating. Choosing clothing that doesn’t generate a lot of static through friction also reduces how much charge is built up on a person before contact with the munition. Dry synthetic fabrics tend to generate and hold static, which is why they’re avoided. Likewise, trying to raise humidity to 0% would strip moisture and actually increase static buildup, not prevent it.