10 Questions You Should to Know about Non-sparking Sliding T Handle

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Non-sparking tools are made from materials that do not contain iron (non-ferrous metals), thus reducing the risk of sparks when using the tools. Non-sparking tools prevent fires and explosions in environments that may contain flammable liquids, vapors, dust or residues. Non-sparking tools are best used when working in confined spaces and in areas where flammable gases or dusts are present.

Common materials used for non-sparking tools include brass, bronze, copper-nickel alloys, copper-aluminum alloys, or copper-beryllium alloys. Beryllium alloys are less popular due to the potential toxicity of beryllium dust. Non-metals such as wood, leather and plastic can also be used to make non-sparking tools.

Some common tools available in non-sparking options include hammers, axes, pry bars, chisels, hobby knives, mallets, pliers, screwdrivers, sockets, and wrenches. Non-sparking polypropylene shovels are commonly used for hazardous material spill cleanup.

Because non-sparking tools are non-ferrous, they are softer than standard tools usually made of high-strength alloy steel. This can cause non-sparking tools to wear out faster than steel tools.

Regulations and Compliance

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) standard for hand and portable power tools and equipment [29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.242(a)] states that "Each employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees, including those that may be provided by employees." Keeping non-sparking tools in a safe condition is critical.

Botou Safety Tools, a leading manufacturer of non-sparking tools, provides common sense guidelines for the proper use and maintenance of non-sparking tools.

Keep non-sparking tools clean and free of iron or other contaminants, which can impair non-sparking characteristics.

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

During normal use, all hammers and chisels will gradually cause some damage to the striking surface of the hammer or the cutting edge and striking end of the chisel. As part of normal operating and safety procedures, these tools should be returned to the shop for surface and head repair in the same manner as steel tools. This is essential to prevent eye damage from chips falling off the item during use.

Do not store hammers and other hand tools with wooden handles where the handles may dry out and shrink. This will increase the risk of handle breakage or head loosening.

Avoid excessive hammering, which can cause shaft damage. Replacement handles are usually available from the manufacturer and should be installed by a qualified operator using approved installation methods, with special attention to wedge installation.

Fiberglass handles offer advantages over wooden handles in terms of fracture stress and resistance to adverse environmental conditions. Fiberglass shafts fail gradually, rather than catastrophically, reducing the risk of sudden failure, injury or damage.

When selecting a wrench, the jaw opening should fit tightly and snugly over the head of the nut or bolt to which it is applied. This is especially true for non-sparking tools, as they are usually not as hard as steel tools.

Tools are designed for specific uses. As with any tool, additional torque should not be applied through the use of a "cheat bar". In addition to the potential for damage to the tool, this is a dangerous practice for the safety of the operator. A wrench should not be used as a lever; a screwdriver is not as good as a chisel, etc.

In addition to any specific recommendations generated by the alloy used, non-sparking hand tools must also use accepted safety and maintenance standards for common steel hand tools.

When sharpening non-sparking safety tools, follow normal safety procedures, such as providing eye and face protection, adequate extraction and dust removal facilities.

Selecting non-sparking tools

In general, non-sparking tools should be used in any environment where an ignition source is present. Applications include, but are not limited to

Maintenance and repair operations in environments that may contain flammable liquids, vapors or combustible dusts or residues

Collection, storage and transfer of flammable liquids

Hot work

Working in confined spaces

Transportation (airports, railroads, tankers, shipyards)

Chemical, petrochemical and natural gas operations

City, state and federal government (utilities, waste management, hazardous materials response, weapons of mass destruction)

Selecting the right tool for the task is critical. Tools must be used only for the purpose for which they were designed. The Hand Tool Institute (HTI) offers many safety education materials to help with proper tool selection on their Safety Education Program webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "non-sparking" tool?

"Non-sparking", "spark reduction", "fire resistant" or "fireproof" tools are the names of tools made of brass, bronze The name for tools made from metals such as brass, monel metal (copper-nickel alloy), copper-aluminum alloy (aluminum bronze), or copper-beryllium alloy (beryllium bronze).

Commonly used hand tools are usually made of steel alloys. Preferred "non-sparking" metals have lower tensile strengths than the steel typically used to make tools. The lower tensile strength means that the metal has less strength or tear resistance when stretched under test conditions. This also means that these tools are softer, wear faster, and must be trimmed more frequently than ordinary steel tools.

What is the most important thing to understand about "non-sparking" tools?

Non-sparking tools also produce sparks, sometimes called "cold sparks". These cold sparks are so low in heat that they do not ignite carbon disulfide, the lowest ignition point of any substance known to man. Therefore, while "non-sparking" tools may reduce the risk of sparking, they do not eliminate the possibility of sparking. The name "non-sparking" is misleading because these tools can produce sparks: the term "spark reduction tools" better describes these tools.

Non-metals such as wood, leather and plastic are suitable for tools such as shovels, scrapers or spatulas and do not pose a frictional spark hazard.

Non-sparking tools prevent fires and explosions in environments where sparks are a concern for igniting flammable solvents, vapors, liquids, dust or residues.

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Note: It is important to carefully evaluate each situation and use the appropriate tool for the hazard present. In some cases, "non-sparking" tools may still be able to produce sparks. Contact the tool manufacturer and the manufacturer of the flammable material (for example) for advice and more information.

Note: It is also important to consider the metals used in the tools themselves. For example, beryllium has been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer. While the potential for exposure to beryllium dust is very low with the general use of non-sparking tools, the grinding or polishing tool itself may need to be considered.

What are the hazards of "sparking" and "non-sparking" tools?

Both "sparking" and "non-sparking" materials can cause ignition. Two types of hazards are associated with tools made of either material.

Frictional ignition, collision with each other or with other materials such as steel or concrete, where "ordinary" (mechanical or frictional) sparks are produced. All tools can ignite flammable mixtures through sparks generated by friction or impact. However, this is only true if the spark produced is combustible: this means that the spark must have sufficient heat content (i.e., sufficient mass and high enough temperature) and must last long enough to heat the combustible air-vapor mixture above its temperature. ignition temperature. This is more likely to occur in the case of sparks forming when using a metal grinder, where sparks are generated when a hammer strikes certain metals.

Ignition by chemically generated sparks, caused by the collision between certain metals and certain oxygen-containing substances such as rust, i.e. iron oxide.

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

Ensure that all "non-sparking" tools are kept clean and free of iron or other contaminants that could interfere with the non-sparking characteristics.

Choose the right size tool for the task (e.g., a wrench to open a nut). Proper fit will help prevent tool slippage and thus reduce the chance of sparking.

Do not use non-sparking hand tools that are in direct contact with acetylene, which can form explosive acetylenes, especially in wet conditions.

Use local or mechanical ventilation systems as appropriate to remove hazardous materials, dust and vapors from the workplace.

Non-sparking tools will require more frequent restoration. Follow normal safety procedures when sharpening non-sparking tools, such as providing eye and face protection, adequate extraction and dust removal facilities.

What is the best protection against accidental explosions?

Follow safe work procedures. Always evaluate the work to be done in any hazardous environment. Use appropriate tools and equipment to eliminate ignition, such as motors that can be certified as "explosion-proof" for use in most hazardous workplaces, or non-sparking tools that are properly used and maintained. Remember, there is no such thing as a truly spark-free tool. In any work where flames are used or sparks are generated, make sure that an explosive atmosphere is not created. This atmosphere includes flammable vapor-air mixtures and organic dust clouds, such as flour or coal dust. Isolation, ventilation and decontamination are ways to ensure a safe working environment. Explosion meters are used in the workplace to protect personnel working in hazardous environments.

Where is Non Sparking Safety Tools used?

Having a comprehensive, proactive safety and health management system, especially in industries with a high risk of explosion or fire, is one of the most important factors in reducing workplace hazards and injuries caused primarily by unsafe acts or conditions. Choosing the right spark-free tools will minimize the risk of explosions in these potentially explosive areas or "ATmosphere EXplosible" ATEX areas. 

Botou Safety Tools has the expertise to manufacture the best and highest quality non-sparking, non-magnetic tools on the market, offering the widest range of safety hand tools that are unique in their unmatched strength and durability. Our catalog includes non-sparking wrenches, ratchets and sockets, hammers and axes, screwdrivers, pliers, and more.

Non-sparking tools are what we call safety tools for minimizing the risk of explosions in silos while working in ATEX areas such as refineries, offshore oil rigs, chemical industries, paint warehouses, spray booths, coal mines and grain. 

What are the most important features to consider when choosing an explosion-proof tool?

After defining the area and environment in which we will use explosion-proof tools, one of the most important features to consider when selecting the right tool is the right material, depending on the type of tool and its use. Many materials can be non-sparking, but what the tools are looking for is fairly good resistance that allows them to be used in good conditions.

It is important to select and use the right tool for a given task so that employees can complete it in less time and move on to a new task. Choosing the right non-sparking tools not only helps prevent accidents, but also prevents high costs to the company, such as damaged infrastructure, materials that need to be repaired, and even costs caused by accidents.

The most common materials used to manufacture these explosion-proof tools are usually alloys of non-ferrous materials. botou Safety Tools gives preference to two materials for a more rugged and durable tool: aluminum bronze and beryllium copper.

Beryllium copper has a high hardness, from 280 to 350 Brinell, and it is specifically used for tools with cutting surfaces, such as saw blades and cutting pliers, or small surfaces that require hardness, such as screwdriver bits.

Aluminum bronze has a higher energy absorption capacity and higher impact resistance due to its flexibility. This material is the right choice for tools that are more prone to wear, such as striking wrenches or hammers. 

To produce high-performance aluminum bronze and special copper alloy tools, Botou Safety Tools offers better uniformity through fine and uniform grain size, resulting in improved wear resistance.

Does the maintenance and storage of non-sparking tools require special attention?

It is important to remember that non-sparking tools are not as strong as steel tools. For this reason, they wear out more quickly, depending on the working environment and the precautions taken to maintain them. Thorough maintenance of your tools is highly recommended to prolong their life. Consider the following recommendations. 

- Choose the right size for the right task to prevent the tool from falling off.

- Avoid contact with corrosive products, such as iron or other contaminants that may affect the non-sparking characteristics. 

- Clean non-sparking tools after use to avoid deterioration.

- Never use non-sparking tools in an environment where acetylene is present, as it can cause explosive acetylene compounds.

-Non-sparking tools that may wear out, such as hammers or wrenches, should be inspected frequently.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of non sparking sockets. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.