Matt W. Barrow wrote:

" wrote in message
...
I've seen a couple of hangar fires caused by de-fueling.
The common denominator was plastic funnels and cans.
Metal woudl be strongly advised.


I though metal containers contribute to static discharge hazards.

It is the other way around.

Electrostatics greatly simplified:

In general it is easier to get a static charge on an insulator than
it is a conductor, i.e. metal.

In general it is easier to remove a static charge from a conductor
than it is an insulator because the charge on a conductor is uniform
over its suface while it can be localized on an insulator.

Holding a conductive can in one hand and touching the metal of the
airframe with the other will bring the airframe and can to the same
potential.

Gas cans are supposed to be conductive.

Plastic funnels are almost never conductive and the act of pouring
stuff through a plastic funnel can generate a static charge.

Use approved gas cans, or at least metal cans, and metal funnels.

Make sure everything, you, the can, and the funnel, has made contact
with airframe metal before opening anything.

--
Jim Pennino

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