A Quick Guide to Non-Sparking Tools

Non-sparking tools are essential in industries where flammable gases, liquids, dust, or other combustible materials are present. They are designed to prevent the creation of sparks, which could cause ignition and potentially lead to an explosion. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about non-sparking tools including their benefits, applications, and more.

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What are Non-Sparking Tools?

Non-sparking tools, also known as spark-resistant tools, are hand tools made of materials that do not create sparks. They are made of non-ferrous metals, such as copper alloys, aluminum bronze, or beryllium copper. These metals do not contain iron, which means they do not produce sparks when struck against another metal surface. The design of non-sparking tools also eliminates any sharp edges or corners that could cause sparks.

Benefits

The use of non-sparking tools has several benefits, including:

• Reducing the risk of fire and explosion in hazardous environments.
• Minimizing the risk of injury to workers due to spark-related accidents.
• Complying with safety regulations and standards.
• Increasing efficiency and productivity by allowing work to continue uninterrupted.

Applications

Spark-resistant tools are used in a wide range of industries, including:

• Oil and gas exploration and production
• Refineries and petrochemical plants
• Chemical manufacturing
• Mining and metallurgy
• Aerospace and defense
• Shipbuilding and marine industries
• Automotive and transportation

Types of Non-Sparking Tools

There are three main types of non-sparking tools, each made of a different non-ferrous metal.

Copper Alloy

Copper alloy tools are the most commonly used non-sparking tools. They are made of a copper alloy that contains a small amount of beryllium, which gives them the necessary spark-resistant properties. Copper alloy tools are ideal for use in environments where flammable gases or vapors are present.

Aluminum Bronze

Aluminum bronze tools are made of an aluminum bronze alloy that contains a small amount of nickel. They are ideal for use in environments where there is a risk of ignition due to friction or impact.

Beryllium Copper

Beryllium copper tools are made of a copper alloy that contains a small amount of beryllium. They are ideal for use in environments where there is a risk of ignition due to static electricity or friction.

How to choose the right non-sparking tool?

When choosing a non-sparking tool, there are several factors to consider, including:

• The type of material being worked on
• The type of work being done
• The specific requirements of the work environment
• The size and shape of the tool needed

It is essential to choose the right tool for the job to ensure maximum safety and efficiency.

Safety Tips for Using Non-Sparking Tools

While non-sparking tools are designed to reduce the risk of fire and explosion, it is still essential to follow safety guidelines when using them. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always inspect tools before use to ensure they are in good condition.
• Use the right tool for the job.
• Use the tool as intended and avoid modifying it.
• Store tools properly when not in use.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Follow all safety regulations and guidelines.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance of spark-resistant tools is essential to ensure their continued safety and effectiveness. Here are some tips for maintaining these tools:

• Clean tools after each use to remove any debris or contaminants.
• Store tools in a dry, cool place to prevent corrosion.
• Inspect tools regularly for signs of wear or damage.
• Replace any damaged or worn tools immediately.

Regulations and Compliance

When working in hazardous environments, it is important to comply with regulations and standards to ensure maximum safety. Non-sparking tools are no exception. Here are some regulations that cover non-sparking tools and beryllium:

1. OSHA&#;s Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Equipment Standard 29 CFR .242: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to provide workers with hand and portable power tools that are safe to use. Under 29 CFR .242(a), employers must ensure that tools are free from defects, properly maintained, and used in a safe manner. Non-sparking tools can help employers meet this standard by reducing the risk of fire and explosion.
2. ANSI Committee B107: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Committee B107 sets standards for non-sparking tools. These standards cover the design, manufacturing, and testing of non-sparking tools to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
3. Other Regulations: Other regulations that cover non-sparking tools include those related to hazardous materials, such as the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) of the Department of Transportation (DOT), and those related to chemical manufacturing, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Process Safety Management (PSM) standard.

By complying with these regulations and standards, employers can create a safer work environment for their employees and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

FAQs

1. Are non-sparking tools more expensive than regular tools?

Yes, they are generally more expensive due to the specialized materials and manufacturing processes used to make them.

2. Can non-sparking tools be used in wet environments?

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Yes, non-sparking tools can be used in wet environments, but it is essential to dry them thoroughly after use to prevent corrosion.

3. Are non-sparking tools required by law in certain industries?

Yes, some industries, such as oil and gas and chemical manufacturing, require the use of spark-resistant tools by law.

4. Can spark-resistant tools be used on any material?

No, spark-resistant should only be used on materials that are compatible with the specific tool and its material.

5. How often should non-sparking tools be inspected?

Non-sparking tools should be inspected before each use and regularly throughout their lifespan to ensure their safety and effectiveness.

What is a &#;non-sparking&#; tool?

&#;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.

What is the most important thing to know about &#;non-sparking&#; tools?

Non-sparking tools also generate sparks sometimes referred to as &#;cold sparks&#;. These cold sparks have a low heat level and do not ignite carbon disulfide, which has the lowest ignition point of any substance known to man. Therefore while &#;non-sparking&#; tools may lower the risk of a spark, they do not eliminate the possibility of sparks. The name &#;non-sparking&#; is misleading because these tools are capable of producing a spark: the term &#;reduced-sparking tools&#; better describes these tools.

Non-metals like wood, leather, and plastic are suitable for some tools like shovels, scrapers or scoops and do not pose a friction spark hazard.

Non-sparking tools provide protection against fires and explosions in environments where there is a concern about sparks igniting flammable solvents, vapors, liquids, dust or residues. There are many standards and recommendations that have been published by OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) that advise the use of non-sparking tools in hazardous environments.

NOTE: It is important to assess each situation carefully and use the appropriate tools for the hazards that are present. In some cases, &#;non-sparking&#; tools may still be able to produce a spark. Contact the tool manufacturer and the producer of the flammable material (for example) for recommendations and more information.

What are the hazards of both &#;sparking&#; and &#;non-sparking&#; tools?

Both &#;sparking&#; and &#;non-sparking&#; materials can cause ignition. Two types of hazards are associated with tools manufactured of either material:

• Ignition by friction, with impact on each other or on other materials such as steel or concrete, in which an &#;ordinary&#; (mechanical or frictional) spark is generated. All tools can ignite flammable mixtures by sparks generated by friction or impact. However, this is true only when the generated spark is incendive: that means a spark that has to have enough heat content (i.e., enough mass and sufficiently high temperature) and has to last long enough to heat a flammable air-vapor mixture above its ignition temperature. This is more likely in the case of sparks formed when using a metal grinder that a spark generated when a hammer strikes some metal.
• Ignition by a chemically-generated spark, caused by an impact between certain metals and some oxygen-containing substances (such as rust, which is iron oxide).

How should you use and maintain &#;non-sparking&#; tools?

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

• Make sure all &#;non-sparking&#; tools are kept clean and free from ferrous or other contaminants, which may hamper the non-sparking properties.
• Do not use non-sparking hand tools in direct contact with acetylene, which may form explosive acetylides, especially in the presence of moisture.
• Use local or mechanical ventilation systems as appropriate to remove hazardous materials, dust, and vapors from the workplace.
• Follow normal safety procedures when sharpening non-sparking tools such as the provision of eye and face protection, adequate extraction and dust collection facilities.

Refer to OSH Answers General Hand Tool Operation for more tips.