What Makes Non-sparking Tools The Best Safety Tools?

Workplace safety has become one of the major concerns of the manufacturing industry. There are certain requirements that must be met in terms of preventing occupational risks, especially in the area of ATEX classification. One of the requirements to be aware of is the use of precision hand tools.

By using precision hand tools, you can solve one of the major problems in the ATEX classification area, which is friction ignition. This is caused by two metals coming into contact with each other and generating sparks that can cause fires and explosions. To prevent this from happening and to make safety a priority, the industry must turn to spark-proof or non-sparking safety tools.

What are non-sparking tools?

Non-sparking tools, also known as safety tools, are made of non-ferrous metals (metals that do not contain iron) that eliminate the risk of igniting sparks when used. They are called safety tools because of their ability to prevent fires and explosions in environments containing flammable gases, vapors, residues, dust, or liquids.

When working in confined spaces and in environments with flammable materials, it is best to use spark-proof tools.

 T Type Wrench

Materials used in the production process

As mentioned earlier, these tools are made of non-ferrous metals such as bronze, brass, and copper-nickel alloys, copper-aluminum alloys, or copper-beryllium alloys. Even non-metals such as wood, plastic, and leather can be used to make these tools, as they are also spark resistant.

Since nonferrous metals are used to make non-sparking tools, they are softer than standard tools made from metals such as steel. These tools have lower tensile strength and resistance, which makes them wear out faster. But one advantage that puts them ahead of ordinary hand tools is that the cold sparks they produce have a relatively low heat level, not enough to ignite anything.

The following is a brief summary of the properties of each material added to safety tools and equipment.

Plastic: Tools made of plastic have excellent non-magnetic properties, making them a must for professionals working in ATEX zones.

Aluminum Copper: These tools are known for their lightweight, excellent reliability, and durability.

Beryllium Copper: Has a high tensile strength of 1280 to 1480 MPa, making it the strongest non-sparking tool available.

Brass: Tools made from brass last longer and have an aesthetic luster. They're a little pricey, but worth your investment.

Bronze: Conductive but non-sparking. They can be part of your toolkit and help you perform industrial tasks safely.

Non-Sparking Tool     

The right way to use non-sparking safety tools

Here are some tips to help you use your safety tools properly and ensure them last.

Do not use tools that come into direct contact with acetylene, especially in the presence of moisture, as this can lead to the production of highly dangerous and explosive acetal.

Always sharpen these tools using standard procedures and wear the necessary safety equipment for your face and hands.

After each use, clean the tools precisely to ensure that no ferrous contaminants are left on their surfaces that would reduce their spark-free performance.

Ensure that your ATEX industrial environment has efficient ventilation to remove harmful and flammable vapors, dust, and residues from the atmosphere.

By following these tips, you can ensure a safe workplace.

What makes non-sparking tools the best safety tools?

These tools are made of non-ferrous metals with excellent corrosion resistance. This makes them ideal for use in flammable environments to access various chemicals such as acids and bases without creating a hazardous environment. In addition, these tools are non-magnetic, so they do not create electronic interference in the industry, thus maintaining high safety standards.

Final Thoughts

Non-sparking tools have unique characteristics that make them ideal for use in ATEX or flammable environments. Thanks to these tools, work in industries as diverse as chemical, oil and gas, coal mining, and pharmaceuticals have become easier and safer.

The safety tools are different from ordinary hand tools and have a long service life. With the help of these tools, professionals can perform their operations efficiently without endangering their safety. If you want to minimize the risk of fire and explosion in your industry, then investing in spark-free hand tools will be worth it.