What Should I Consider When Choosing a Non-sparking Tool?

January 04, 2023

The use of non-sparking tools is strictly required in certain areas in order to avoid accidents that could seriously damage the health of workers. Let's take a look, in this blog post, at the characteristics of these products, the areas in which they must be used, and how they should be maintained.

 

What are non-sparking tools?

The term "non-sparking tools" refers to items that help prevent explosions and fires when working in the so-called ATEX zone (an acronym for ATmosphere EXplosives). These tools are made of brass, bronze, cupro-nickel, copper-aluminium or copper-beryllium alloys (beryllium bronze). These implements are manufactured by a specific process to reduce the risk of sparking. Extra care is taken in managing worker health and workplace conditions, especially in industries where the risk of explosion or fire is high, which is one of the most important factors in reducing accidents.

 

194 Beryllium Bronze Pick Railroad With Wooden Handle

194 Beryllium Bronze Pick Railroad With Wooden Handle

What should I consider when choosing a non-sparking tool?

There are several factors that should be considered when purchasing a non-sparking tool. Below we see some of these.  

 

The material, depends on the type of tool and its purpose.

The resistance, allows these tools to be used and performed optimally in a variety of conditions.

 

The task to be completed.

Choosing the right non-sparking tool not only helps prevent accidents but also avoids high costs to the company, such as coverage for repairing damaged infrastructure, materials that need to be repaired or damage caused by accidents.

125 Non-Sparking Adjustable Wrench

 125 Non-Sparking Adjustable Wrench

What makes a tool non-sparking?

The tools are fire-resistant to flowers because they do not include iron or steel that could produce sparks or ignite under certain conditions. These implements produce cold sparks that cannot ignite any substance.

 

The most common materials used in the manufacture of explosion-proof tools are usually non-ferrous alloys.

 

Beryllium copper has a very high hardness, between 280 and 350 on the Brinell scale, and is specifically used to produce tools with cuttable surfaces, such as saw blades and pliers, or small surfaces like screwdriver heads.

 

Thanks to its flexibility, aluminum bronze absorbs more energy and has a higher impact resistance. This material is ideal for making tools that are more prone to wear, such as striking spanners or hammers.

Explosion-proof Durable Hand Tools Aluminum Bronze Edging Spade

Explosion-proof Durable Hand Tools Aluminum Bronze Edging Spade

 

How should you use and maintain "non-sparking" tools?

Follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of explosion and fire.

 

Ensure that all 'non-sparking' tools are kept clean and free from iron or other contaminants that may affect their non-sparking properties.

Choose the right size tool for the task (e.g. a spanner to open a nut). A proper fit will help prevent the tool from slipping and reduce the chance of sparking.

Do not use non-sparking hand tools in direct contact with acetylene, which can form explosive acetylene, especially in the presence of moisture.

Use local or mechanical ventilation systems, as appropriate, to remove harmful substances, dust and vapours from the workplace.

Non-sparking tools need to be repaired more frequently. Follow normal safety procedures when sharpening non-sparking tools, e.g. provide eye and face protection, adequate extraction and dust collection facilities.