The Differences Between Non-Sparking and Anti-Static Tools
While anti-static tools also have the goal of preventing fires and explosions, they are different from non-sparking tools. Anti-static tools are designed to work in complex systems or environments where the build-up of static electricity needs to be prevented.
In industrial settings where flammable gases, vapors, or dust are present, the use of non-sparking and anti-static tools is essential to prevent potentially hazardous situations. However, the two should not be confused. Non-sparking tools are characterized by being free of ferrous metals (steel and iron), which means they will not produce sparks under the right conditions. Anti-static tools are designed to work within grounded equipment systems to prevent static electricity from building up to the point where it could damage electronic equipment or provide enough charge to cause a fire or explosion. However, the lack of sparks does not mean that the tool cannot be anti-static. When properly grounded, non-sparking tools also prevent electrostatic discharge.
When are Non-Sparking Tools Needed?
In environments where there is a significant risk of fire from flammable materials, this typically involves production facilities containing flammable gases, smoke, dust or liquids. Oil refineries, paper companies and ammunition factories must use non-sparking tools. These tools are made from specially selected materials to reduce the risk of sparks during use. Common materials used in non-sparking tools include copper, aluminum and alloys.
What are non-sparking tools?
Non-sparking tools are made of non-ferrous metal materials and do not contain ferrous metals. Ferrous metals include steel and iron and come in a variety of different forms. Items made of carbon steel, stainless steel, cast or wrought iron have the potential to generate sparks.
Non-ferrous metals include aluminum, copper, brass, silver and lead. However, they are not the only materials used to create spark-free tools.
Common non-sparking tools are made of the following materials:
Plastic
Brass
Bronze
Copper-nickel alloy
Copper aluminum alloy
Copper beryllium alloy
Leather
When are anti-static tools needed?
Anti-static tools are needed in environments where static electricity can pose a risk to sensitive electronic equipment or flammable materials.
What are anti-static tools?
While anti-static tools also have the goal of preventing fires and explosions, they are different from non-sparking tools. Anti-static tools are designed to work in complex systems or environments where the build-up of static electricity needs to be prevented.
Static electricity is responsible for the crackling sound you make when you take off a sweater and the electric shock you get when you touch certain surfaces. Static electricity is created when people walk across carpeted floors or scrape their clothes onto the upholstery of chairs.
Some products and equipment, especially electronic components, are extremely sensitive to electrostatic discharge. Static electricity is also dangerous in flammable gas environments.
Where electrostatic discharge-sensitive materials are present, the workplace will have many features designed to prevent the build-up of static electricity. Highly charged materials will not be present, and equipment and workers will be grounded to keep sensitive items safe and undamaged and to avoid sparks that could cause a fire or explosion.
Antistatic tools are usually made of plastic and do not lose or gain charge, so they do not transfer or receive charge from surrounding objects and surfaces. Workplaces that require these tools must maintain precise humidity and temperature ranges for the anti-static properties to work properly.
Certain work environments may require non-sparking and anti-static tools. When you understand the differences between non-sparking tools and anti-static tools and the differences that are critical to a safe work environment, you will be better able to protect workers and products from the effects of static electricity, fire or explosions.