Every professional working in the field of oil & gas knows how important it is to own specific hand tools that minimize the risk of accidents in the workplace. The safety of workers is a matter of supreme concern for every industry, and that’s why they go for tools that are spark resistant and help avoid situations like fire and explosion.
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When it comes to ensuring workplace safety, investing in non-sparking tools can be the best course of action. There is a range of non-sparking tools available in the market, making it easier for you to find the ones that work best for your ATEX zone. The tools are known for serving their best purpose in industries like coal mines, oil refineries, offshore oil rigs, and others.
Now, you must be a little curious to know what is so special about these tools and what they are made of to eliminate sparks and ensure workplace safety. But before moving on to that part, let us first put some light on the brief explanation of Non-Sparking Insulated Tools.
Non-sparking tools, also popularly known as “spark reduced,” “spark-resistant,” or “spark-proof,” are used in working environments that contain flammable gases, vapors, dust, residues, and fluids. They prevent the occurrence of sparks, thus eliminating the risk of fire and explosions.
De Neers offers the finest range of Hand Tools that are synonymous with reliability, quality, value, and innovation. The range includes tools like pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers, and a few others to name. The offered tools, along with helping you maintain a safe working environment, also provide great functionality in the long run.
By now, you have gained a clear understanding of what non-sparking tools are and why it is important for professionals to use them. Let’s now move on to learn what these tools are made of.
The safety tools are made from non-ferrous metals (metals that do not contain iron) like bronze, brass, copper-nickel alloys, or copper-aluminum alloys to reduce the risk of sparks while the tool is in use. The tools are even made from non-metals like wood, leather, and plastics that are spark resistant.
These tools are appreciated in the industrial sector for their ability to prevent both fire and explosion from occurring in environments that may contain flammable vapors, dust, residues, or vapors. While working in confined spaces and areas where flammable dust, gases, or liquids are present, using a non-sparking tool is the best practice.
Because the tools are made from non-ferrous metals, they are softer than the standard tools made from high strength alloy steel. They also have lower tensile strength and resistance, which makes them wear out more quickly. But they have one advantage that no other type of tool can offer, and that is they generate cold sparks with a relatively low level of heat, which is insufficient to ignite any substance.
Here is a brief explanation of tools made from different materials:
An important piece of advice: Clean all your non-sparking tools thoroughly after use and ensure that they are free from any ferrous contaminants or rust, which can void the non-sparking properties of the tools.
Also, remember not to use the tools in direct contact with acetylene, mainly in the presence of moisture, as it may result in the creation of highly dangerous explosive acetals.
Additionally, don’t forget to frequently sharpen all the anti-spark tools following the safety procedures like protecting your face and eyes and collecting the powders with proper tools.
Lastly, it is essential that you ventilate the premises in order to remove potentially harmful powders and vapors from the atmosphere.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Non Sparking Tools. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
These are some simple rules that you can follow to ensure the tools’ long-lasting functioning and minimize the possible dangers in the workplace.
The non-sparking insulated tools have unique properties that make them fit to use in environments that contain flammable substances. They have made the work of professionals working in industries like oil refineries and coal mines easier by helping them work safely.
The tools promise a long-serving life if they are cleaned properly and kept free of contamination, as the same result in degrading their non-sparking ability. The non-sparking tools are the ones to go for when it comes to uplifting the safety level in your industrial working environment.
“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 steel 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 must be dressed more frequently.
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 known substance. 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, vapours, liquids, dusts, or residues.
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.
NOTE: It is also important to consider the metals used in the tools themselves. For example, beryllium has been associated with several health issues, including cancer. While exposure to beryllium dust is likely very low with the general use of non-sparking tools, it may be a consideration when grinding or polishing the tool itself.
Both “sparking” and “non-sparking” materials can cause ignition. Two types of hazards are associated with tools manufactured of either material:
Follow the guidelines below to reduce the risk of explosion and fire.
Follow safe work procedures. Always evaluate a job to be done in any hazardous environment. Use tools and equipment that eliminate ignition, such as electric motors that are certified as “explosion proof” for use in most hazardous work locations or non-sparking tools with proper use and maintenance. Keep in mind that there are no truly non-sparking tools. In any work where flames are used, or sparks are produced, make sure that an explosive atmosphere does not develop. Such atmospheres include flammable vapour-air mixtures and organic dust clouds like flour or coal dust. Isolation, ventilation and purging are methods of ensuring a safe working atmosphere. Use explosimeters in the workplace to monitor hazardous environments.
Refer to OSH Answers General Hand Tool Operation for more tips.
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