Non Sparking Tools for Hazardous Areas

When working with commercially available steel tools, sparks may occur. Gas-air mixtures can be exploded by these sparks. In workspaces where these mixtures may or may already be present, the creation of flammable sparks must be avoided at all costs. The use of non sparking tools is only one but a very important measure in explosion prevention in the company. They consist of special alloys based on copper. However, the following instructions should be observed for your use.

Even when using non sparking tools, the creation of sparks can never be completely ruled out. Therefore, the following measures are recommended:

• Rusty or light metal painted surfaces should be wet with oil or water when working
• Ideally, rust should be removed in advance
• Ensure your workspace is well ventilated
• Containers, apparatus and piping may need to be filled with inert gas
• Take care that no sparks can be caused by falling objects
• Ensure work wear is free from iron parts

Non-sparking tools are made of as few hard alloys as possible. For this reason, they are more sensitive than steelworks. This is to be considered when in use. If signs of wear and tear occur, it is advisable to wait for new tools and it is also important that each tool be used only for its intended purposes, not use chisel as crowbar or normal wrench as a blow key. Customers should pay attention to these precautions during maintenance:

1. Non-sparking tools made of copper-beryllium, e.g. For various reasons, scrapers, screwdrivers, pliers etc. must never be reground in the same way as steel tools
2. When heated above 250 ° C, the performance of the alloy copper beryllium is largely lost and the tool then only has the hardness of copper. It will be practically useless!

Therefore tools made of CuBe (copper beryllium) should only be ground wet. This prevents the dusts and vapors produced during grinding, the inhalation of which can be harmful to health. Wearing further protective clothing is mandatory. We do not recommend reforging tools made of CuBe!