Which practice helps reduce the chance of producing a static spark when handling propane?

• A. Wearing nylon or synthetic clothing
• B. Handling with metal tools only
• C. Wearing rubber gloves only
• D. Wearing cotton or cotton blend clothing

Answer: (D)

Static electricity can produce a spark that might ignite propane vapors, so the aim is to keep from building up charges on your body. Natural cotton fibers tend to retain some moisture and act as a dissipative layer, giving charges somewhere nearby to flow instead of jumping to a grounded object. That makes wearing cotton or a cotton blend the best way to reduce the chance of a static spark when handling propane. In contrast, synthetic fabrics like nylon tend to generate more static because they hold less moisture and create more friction, increasing the likelihood of a discharge. Rubber gloves are insulators and can trap charges rather than letting them dissipate, and relying on metal tools alone doesn’t address the buildup on the body.