What precaution can be taken to minimize static charge in a flammable environment?

Implementing grounding techniques is an effective precaution for minimizing static charge in a flammable environment. Grounding provides a direct pathway for electrical charges to flow into the earth, which prevents the buildup of static electricity. In environments with flammable materials, static discharges can ignite fires or explosions, so establishing a reliable grounding system is crucial for safety.

Grounding is particularly important when transferring flammable liquids or handling materials that can generate static charge through friction. By ensuring that equipment and personnel are properly grounded, it creates conditions where any accumulated static electricity is safely dissipated, thus reducing the risk of ignition.

While the other options might seem plausible in some contexts, they do not address static electricity in the same effective manner. For instance, using non-conductive materials might actually increase the risk of static charge accumulation rather than mitigate it. Reducing velocities of fluid flow could help in lower charge generation but is not a comprehensive solution. Increasing ambient humidity can lower static buildup, but this method isn't always practical or effective in all environments, and it doesn’t provide the reliability that grounding techniques do. Grounding directly combats the issue of static charge, making it the most effective precaution.