A non sparking tool (also referred to as spark-resistant or spark-reduced) is a tool that is only capable of producing a cool or low energy spark. This is due to the fact that, unlike steel tools, non-sparking tools are manufactured from metals that absorb heat. These include copper tools and brass tools as well as any beryllium non-sparking tool.
Although a non-sparking tool is technically capable of generating a spark, the spark produced from these types of tools is so low in temperature it wouldn’t be capable of igniting. This makes non sparking tools safe to use in environments where flammable gasses or materials present a health and safety risk.
Non-sparking tools are used when the job or environment presents a high risk of fire or explosion. For this reason, you’ll find non-sparking tools used in a wide range of commercial industries, most significantly in sectors that process flammable chemicals, materials, or gasses, such as hydrogen.
This can include the production and manufacture of things such as fireworks, paint, explosives, and pharmaceuticals. You’ll also find non sparking tools widely used throughout the oil and gas industry, such as in oil refineries and on offshore oil rigs at sea.
Coal mines and grain silos are other places where non sparking tools are commonly used.
Non-sparking tools are made from metals that only produce a cool or low energy spark. These include brass and bronze as well as copper-based alloys such as copper-nickel, copper-aluminium, or copper-beryllium, with copper being the primary component.
Non-sparking tools can also be distinguished from regular tools by the fact they don’t contain any steel. That’s because this metal type, commonly used in the production of tools, is known to produce hot sparks at temperatures capable of igniting flammable gasses.
Tools made from steel, therefore, are unsafe to be certified as non-sparking, which is why steel is not a metal used by non-sparking tool manufacturers.
Steel hammers can easily generate sparks during striking. Using a non sparking hammer, such as those made of copper beryllium, will ensure you stay safe in environments where sparks can cause flammable liquids or gasses to ignite.
Non-sparking wrenches will help you to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts safely in environments where flammable materials represent an explosion risk.
Non-sparking pliers are an essential tool for maintaining operational health & safety standards in industries such as oil and gas.
A non-sparking scraper is the perfect tool to turn to if you need to remove gravel, dirt, or other substances from the ground in hazardous conditions.
If you’re using a ratchet and socket for a job that presents a high risk of explosion it’s essential that the tool you use is manufactured from a non-sparking metal.
Non-sparking screwdrivers in a range of sizes can ensure you’re always able to remove or affix screws safely when working near flammable substances.
Non-sparking tools require a little more care than those made of iron or steel, however, you can easily maintain copper-beryllium tools in the following ways:
Non-sparking tools are essential for any job that brings you into close contact with, or proximity to, flammable materials. They’re also a health and safety necessity when working in industries with a high explosion risk, such as oil & gas.
It’s never worth using a traditional tool in a situation where you should be using a non-sparking tool. Not only could you jeopardise your own safety, you also put other lives at risk.
Like all responsible tool manufacturers, at Red Box we offer a range of non-sparking tools in a variety of certified non sparking metals. You’ll find the full range, which includes Bahco non sparking tools, on our website.
No. Stainless steel is not considered a non-sparking metal.
Copper can produce sparks but only cold sparks. Copper quickly absorbs heat, which is why it’s one of the primary metals used in the manufacture of non-sparking tools.
Yes. Pure aluminium can spark. Aluminium alloys such as copper-aluminium, however, are considered non-spark, providing copper is the primary metal.
Non-sparking tools are used in industries such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, coal mining, and grain silos, as well as in the production of fireworks, explosives and paint manufacturing.
A tool is non-sparking if it’s made from a non-sparking classified metal such as bronze, brass, copper-nickel, copper-aluminium, or copper-beryllium.
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