Non-Sparking Tools
A steel wrench striking steel can throw a spark hot enough to ignite flammable gas, vapor or dust. Non-sparking tools are made of softer alloys that make sparks much less likely, which is why they’re used in refineries, fuel tanks, grain facilities and anywhere a flammable atmosphere could exist.
- Oil & gas
- Refineries
- General Industry
Photo: copper-colored non-sparking wrenches and hammer in a tool kit at a fuel terminal
What they’re made of
| Alloy | Notes |
|---|---|
| Beryllium copper | Harder and stronger; sharpening or grinding makes toxic beryllium dust |
| Aluminum bronze | No beryllium; a bit softer; common alternative |
| Brass, bronze, copper, plastic, wood, rubber | Used for mallets, scrapers and some specialty tools |
“Non-sparking” doesn’t mean “no risk”
- They can still make sparks in some conditions, such as striking rusty steel or when steel particles are embedded in the tool.
- They’re softer, so they wear, bend and mushroom faster than steel tools. Inspect them often.
- They don’t prevent other ignition sources: static electricity, hot surfaces, electrical equipment, phones and vehicles.
The real control is keeping the atmosphere below its flammable range. Test the air, ventilate, purge and get a hot work or safe work permit. Non-sparking tools are one layer of protection, not a substitute for those steps.
Use them with other controls
- Gas testing before and during the work, with a calibrated meter. See Gas Detectors.
- Bonding and grounding when transferring flammable liquids. See Flammable Liquids.
- Intrinsically safe flashlights, radios and meters in classified areas.
- Permit-to-work systems where your site uses them. See Permit-to-Work Systems.
- Clean, dust-free areas where combustible dust is present. See Combustible Dust.
Beryllium copper safety
- Using the tools normally is low risk, but grinding, sharpening or dressing beryllium copper tools creates beryllium dust, which can cause a serious lung disease.
- Follow the maker’s instructions and OSHA’s beryllium rules for any reconditioning, or send tools out to be dressed.
- Don’t use compressed air to clean beryllium dust.
Inspect before use
- No mushroomed striking faces or burrs
- No cracks, bends or spread jaws
- No embedded steel chips or grit
- Right tool and size for the job
Standards & references
- 29 CFR 1910.106: Flammable liquids (control of ignition sources)
- OSHA: Beryllium
- See also: Hand Tool Basics · Hot Work Permits
Last updated: