Electrical

Grounding
Mark Harmon
January 29, 2014

Compliance Assistance Specialist

Erie Area OSHA office

OSHA Standard
29 CFR 1910.304(g) Grounding
29 CFR 1926.404(f) Grounding

American Petroleum Institute (API)

RP 54 Section 6.1.16 & 9.14.11
RP 74 Section 7.6
RP 2003 and NFPA 77

Manufacturer Instructions
Operators Manual

OSHA Standards (General Industry)

1910.304(g)(5) Grounding Path
The path to ground from circuits, equipment,
and enclosures shall be permanent, continuous,
and effective.

OSHA Standards

(Construction Industry)

1926.404(f)(6) Grounding Path

The path to ground from circuits, equipment,
and enclosures shall be permanent, and
continuous.

API RP 54
Well Drilling and Servicing
6.1.16 The rig structure, derrick, mast, and
other equipment as appropriate, shall be
grounded to prevent accumulation of a
static charge.

PHOTO Credit:
Frac tank explosion_steps
by Bryan Haywood, President at SAFTENG.net LLC on Oct 18, 2011

API RP 54
Well Drilling and Servicing
9.14.11 Electric motors, generators, and
control panels shall be grounded.

 Copyright PEC/Premier 2010

Version 10.0.0

15

Portable generator

NFPA NEC defines portable as equipment that is easily

carried by personnel from one location to another.

Vehicle-Mounted generator

NFPA NEC defines vehicle-mounted as equipment that is

capable of being moved, on wheels or rollers.

Generator

Always check the Manufacturers instructions / Operators

Manual

API RP 74
Production Operations
7.6 Grounding and Bonding
provides details about the potential
hazards and refers to API RP 2003 and
NFPA 77.

API RP 2003
Protection Against Ignitions
Arising out of Static, Lightning,
and Stray Currents
NFPA 77
Recommended Practice on
Static Electricity

OSHA Oil & Gas Inspection

Checklist
This is an excellent resource
compiled by OSHA and E&P
groups. If you would like a
copy please email or call.
harmon.mark@dol.gov
(814)874-5150