Non-sparking and anti-static tools both have a common purposepreventing fires or explosions in production facilities where flammable materials present a concern. However, they each are designed to prevent specific dangers, and shouldnt be confused. Non-sparking tools are characterized by their lack of ferrous metals (steel and iron), which means they dont cause sparks that could ignite under the right conditions.
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Anti-static tools are carefully designed to work within a system of grounding equipment to prevent static electricity from building to the point it could damage electronics or provide enough of a charge to start a fire or explosion.
However, being non-sparking doesnt mean a tool cant also be anti-static. When properly grounded, a non-sparking tool can also prevent electrostatic discharge.
Non-sparking tools are important for use in a facility that may have an explosive atmosphere or any reason to be especially concerned about the possibility of sparks causing a fire or an explosion. This typically concerns production facilities that contain flammable gas, mists, dusts, or liquids. Non-flammable tools are often used in oil refineries, paper companies, and ammunitions plants. Food processing facilities that use powdered milk, egg whites, cornstarch, grain, flour, or cornstarch may also use non-sparking tools since these can all create combustible dust hazards.
Non-sparking tools are, essentially, those that dont contain ferrous metals. Ferrous metals include steel and iron, in all of their different iterations. Items that are made from carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron or wrought iron all have the possibility of producing a spark.
Non-ferrous metals include aluminum, copper, brass, silver, and lead. Theyre not the only materials that non-sparking tools are made out of, though.
Common non-sparking tools are made of:
Plastic is a common non-sparking material for items like shovels, scrapers, paddles, and scoops. Tools that need a higher tensile strength, like hammers or screws, are often made out of copper alloys, though beryllium tends to be avoided because of its possible toxicity.
There is a possibility that even non-sparking tools could cause a reaction called a cold spark, which doesnt contain enough heat to ignite even the most flammable of substances, carbon disulfide. Cold sparks can still give the appearance that sparks are happening, but are safe around even the most flammable of substances.
Electronics componentsespecially motherboardsare extremely electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitive. A simple static charge created by a worker walking across a floor to a workstation could destroy a motherboard, rendering the entire component useless. Most industries dont need to worry about static discharge, but when flammable gas is in the air, such as acetone or methane, even a small discharge can create a fire or explosion.
Anti-static tools are more complex than not containing a specific type of metal. They must be a part of a complete program to safely discharge static.
Static electricity naturally builds up through three different processes:
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The most effective prevention for static electricity isnt so much a single tool, as it is a system of precautions, grounding mechanisms and a lack of highly charged materials. Together, this creates an Electrostatic Discharge Protection Area (EPA) that works to keep electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitive materials safe.
The principles of a successful EPA include:
The hand tools you use in this environment are often made from plastics that are specifically created to work within this delicately balanced system. These electrostatic dissipative (ESD) tools have a balanced charge and low surface resistivity, which means they dont gain or lose charge to the objects and surfaces that surround them. These tools have precise temperature and humidity ranges that they work in. If theyre used outside those ranges, they may still create a static charge.
If your facility needs non-sparking tools, all of our lines except our metal detectables will fit your needs. With the exception of some of our handles, theyre made of plastic, which makes our tools durable and safe to use in many different environments.
If you have a static sensitive environment, you may require anti-static tools, which we currently do not offer.
Some of our products, such as our green shovels, are made of plastic mixed with a static resistant compound. The compound is designed to reduce static and keep products from clinging to the tool. This doesnt make them anti-static, and they shouldnt be used in areas that have anti-static requirements.
As you may already know, there are many highly specified tools for different types of jobs. Wrenches, screwdrivers, welding torches, pipe alignment clamps, you name it, theres a tool for the job. One class of tools is made differently from all the rest. So, what are non sparking tools, and what are they made of?
What are non sparking tools?
This type of tool is made from nonferrous metal, which means they are alloys that dont contain iron. They have two unique properties. First, non spark tools, as the name suggests, do not spark. This makes them perfect for jobs involving flammable conditions. The second unique property, again due to the absence of iron, is that they are also non magnetic tools. Working on hospital equipment like MRI machines is made possible by these tools.
What are non sparking tools made of?
There are a few different alloys that these great tools are made from.
If you are a young professional craftsman or welder thats looking to build a respectable toolkit for a lucrative career to come, non sparking tools are essential. There will be many projects which will require you to work in highly flammable areas, or on magnetic equipment that could yank the tools right out of your hand. If you are interested in getting these tools, shop our website, or contact us for more information.
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