.-(1) All electrical systems and equipments and all structures, plants and other non-current-carrying metallic parts of major electric apparatus or any major metallic object in any place where petroleum is refined, blended, stored, loaded or unloaded shall be efficiently earthed; the resistance value of and earthing system of the general mass of the earth, shall not be more than-(a)4 ohms in the case of electrical systems and equipment or a valve that ensures the operation of the protective device in the electrical circuit, whichever is lower, and(b)10 ohms in the case of all non-current-carrying metallic parts of major electric apparatus or any major metallic object.(2)All joints in pipeline, valves, plants, storage tanks and associated facilities and equipments for petroleum shall be made electrically continuous by bonding or otherwise; the resistance value between each joint shall not exceed 1 ohm.(3)A piping which is not in electrical contact with the associated tank or vessel shall be efficiently connected to such tank or vessel by a flexible conductor and earthed.
