Apparatus and method for grounding compressed fuel fueling operator

A safety system (305) for grounding an operator at a fueling station during a fuel filling operation comprising a fuel tank port (332) in communication with a fuel tank for receiving a fuel fill nozzle (322) and a grounding device (344) adjacent said fuel tank port, said grounding device including a grounding switch (350) having a contact member (344A) adapted to receive physical contact by the operator; a physical contact of said contact member activates said grounding switch; a fuel controller provides fuel flow through said nozzle only when said grounding switch is continuously activated, whereby accidental ignition of fuel due to static discharge is prevented.