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“Non-sparking”, “spark reduced”, “spark-resistant” or “spark-proof” tools are names given to tools made of metals such as brass, bronze, Monel metal (copper-nickel alloy), copper-aluminum alloys (aluminum bronze), or copper-beryllium alloys (beryllium bronze).
Commonly used hand tools are often manufactured of steel alloys. Preferred “non-sparking” metals have less tensile strength than steels usually used to make tools. A lower tensile strength means the metal has less strength or resistance to tearing apart when stretched under test conditions. It also means that these tools are softer, wear down more quickly than ordinary steel tools, and have to be dressed more frequently.
Non-sparking tools have two unique characteristics. First, non-sparking tools, as their name suggests, do not produce sparks. This makes them perfect for jobs involving flammable conditions. The second unique property is due to the fact that they do not contain iron. This type of tool is made of non-ferrous metals, which means that they are iron-free alloys. Meaning they are also non-magnetic tools. These tools are available when working on hospital equipment, such as MRI machines.
Tuokai Safety Tools a leading manufacturer of non-sparking tools, provides common sense guidelines for the proper use and maintenance of non-sparking tools:
Keep non-sparking tools clean and free of ferrous or other contaminants that could impair the non-sparking characteristics.
Do not use non-sparking hand tools in direct contact with acetylene as explosive acetylene compounds may form, especially in the presence of moisture.
During normal use, all hammers and chisels will gradually cause some damage to the striking surface of the hammer or the cutting edge and striking end of the chisel. As part of normal operating and safety procedures, these tools should be returned to the shop for face and head repair in the same manner as steel tools. This is essential to prevent eye damage caused by debris falling off the item during use.
Do not store hammers and other hand tools equipped with wooden handles in areas where the handles may dry out and shrink. This increases the risk of handle breakage or head loosening.
Avoid excessive impacts that can cause damage to the shaft. Replacement handles are usually provided by the manufacturer and should be installed by a qualified operator using approved installation methods, with special attention to wedge installation.
Fiberglass handles offer advantages over wood handles in terms of fracture stress and resistance to adverse environmental conditions. Fiberglass shafts will fail gradually rather than catastrophically, reducing the risk of sudden failure, injury, or damage.
When selecting a wrench, the opening of the jaws should fit snugly over the head of the nut or bolt on which they are placed. This is especially true for non-sparking tools, as they are usually not as hard as steel tools.
Tools are designed for specific uses. As with any tool, additional torque should not be applied through the use of a "cheat bar". In addition to the potential for damage to the tool, this is a dangerous practice for operator safety. Wrenches should not be used as levers; screwdrivers are not like chisels, etc.
In addition to any specific recommendations resulting from the alloy used, the accepted standards for safety and maintenance of ordinary steel hand tools must also apply to non-sparking hand tools.
When sharpening non-sparking safety tools, follow normal safety procedures, such as providing eye and face protection, adequate extraction and dust collection facilities.
In general, non-sparking tools should be used in any environment where ignition sources are a concern. Applications include, but are not limited to:
Maintenance and repair operations in environments that may contain flammable liquids, vapors, or combustible dust or residues
Collection, holding and transfer of flammable liquids
Hot work
Work in confined spaces
Transportation (airports, railroads, tanker trucks, shipyards)
Chemical, petrochemical and gas operations
City, State and Federal Governments (utilities, waste management, hazardous material response, weapons of mass destruction)
Choosing the right tool for the task is crucial. The tool must only be used for its design purpose. Contact us for professional advice.
A: Keep your non-sparking tools clean and free of ferrous metal contamination, which can reduce their spark-free capability. Avoid contact with acetylene, which can form explosive acetylenes, especially in the presence of moisture. If damage occurs to the striking face of a hammer or the edge of a chisel, repair the face and head of the tool. Do not store hammers and other hand tools with wooden handles where the handles may dry out and shrink. This increases the risk of handle breakage or head loosening.
A: The non-sparking tool industry is sensitive to the potential toxicity of beryllium dust, mist and fumes that can be generated when using softer metals in non-sparking tools. Other non-sparking metals do not have the same issues.
