Tools, non-sparking

Beryllium is used as an alloying agent in producing beryllium copper, which is extensively used for springs, electrical contacts, spot-welding electrodes, and non-sparking tools. It is applied as a structural material for high-speed aircraft, missiles, spacecraft, and communication satellites. Other uses include windshield frame, brake discs, support beams, and other structural components of the space shuttle. 

Use of a steel chisel to open a drum of carbide caused an incendive spark which ignited traces of acetylene in the drum. The non-ferrous tools normally used for this purpose should be kept free from embedded ferrous particles [1], If calcium carbide is warm when filled into drums, absorption of the nitrogen from the trapped air may enrich the oxygen content up to 28%. In this case, less than 3% of acetylene (liberated by moisture) is enough to form an explosive mixture, which may be initiated on opening the sealed drum. Other precautions are detailed [2], Use of carbon dioxide to purge carbide drums, and of brass or bronze non-sparking tools to open them are advocated [3],... 

Sparks, etc. Sparks from mechanical tools and equipment, hot ashes from smoking, unprotected extension lights, boilers and furnaces, backfire from gasoline engines, are all potential causes of fire. Smoking should be prohibited in areas where flammable liquids are stored or are used in the open. All equipment in such areas should be maintained in first class condition. Wherever possible, spark-proof or non-sparking tools and materials should be used... 

Note In opening or closing containers, only non sparking tools (such as those made of copper alloys or berylium-bronze, etc) should be used... 

Use clean non-sparking tools to collect absorbed material. 

Use clean non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. 

Alloys 75% of total Electrical connectors and relays, springs, precision instruments, aircraft engine usage parts, non-sparking tools, submarine cable housings and pivots, wheels and pinions. 

PERSONAL PROTECTION Wear impervious protective clothing, including butyl rubber gloves and overalls use chemical safety goggles and/or a full face shield enclose operations and/or use local exhaust ventilation at site of chemical release use non-sparking tools and equipment wear self-contained breathing apparatus since this compound possibly exists in both particulate and vapor phase, a dust/mist prefilter should be used for the particulate maintain eyewash baths and safety showers in work area. 

SPILL CLEAN-UP ventilate area of leak or spill vapor suppressing foam may be used to reduce vapors absorb or cover liquids with non-combustible materials (e.g., dry earth, sand, vermiculite), and transfer to chemical waste containers use clean non-sparking tools to collect absorbed materials flush remaining spill with large amounts of water but not into confined spaces such as sewers due to possibility of explosion remove all sources of ignition (e.g., flares, sparks or flames). 

PERSONAL PROTECTION wear impervious protective clothing, including boots, proper gloves, lab coat, apron or coveralls wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus if the exposure limit is exceeded maintain eyewash fountains and quick-drench facilities in immediate work area use non-sparking tools and equipment.. 

PERSONAL PROTECTION wear clean body-covering clothing and protective gloves wear chemical safety goggles a closed system of local exhaust ventilation is recommended to control emissions at the source and to prevent dispersion into the general work area a half-face dust/mist respirator is needed in areas where exposure would be above the permissible exposure level in an event of a fire, wear self-contained breathing apparatus use non-sparking tools and equipment. 

Use soft and non-sparking tools and work surfeces. = Press slowly, rather than ramming (hammer blows). 

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