Avoid overstraining and heating; make frequent visual checks of each NS tool during use;
Don’t use both a steel tool and an NS tool at the same time;
Don’t use high copper content tools, such as Al-Br and Cu-Be tools, in direct contact with acetylene;
Always take considerable care when reworking copper-beryllium (Cu-Be) tools as beryllium (Be) dust or vapour is toxic;
Cu-Be tools should be ground only when wet;
Do not inhale any dust and be sure to wear a face mask;
Make sure all NS tools are kept clean and free from ferrous or other contaminants which may hamper the properties of a non-sparking tool;
The tool’s surface temperature must not be higher than the present gases temperature;
Ensure that no objects which could cause a spark fall or are dropped within the working environment.
Reducing risk: Non-ferrous, softer materials such as brass, bronze, copper-aluminum alloys (aluminum bronze), or copper-beryllium alloys (beryllium bronze) greatly reduce the risk of producing ignitable sparks.
Bahco NS tools are manufactured in aluminum-bronze (Al-Br) or copper-beryllium (Cu-Be), making them both safe and suitable for use in hazardous environments.
Tools used for striking applications, like slogging wrenches and hammers, are manufactured in aluminum-bronze (Al-Br), while tools that require a higher torque and precision performance, such as pliers, screwdrivers and adjustable wrenches, are manufactured in copper-beryllium (Cu-Be).
Hand tools are not within the scope of the 94/9/EC directive but Bahco take safety so seriously that they have their NS range certified by the independent German laboratory BAM, the German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing.
NS screwdrivers for use with slotted head, Phillips® or Posidriv® screws have been developed by Bahco using its scientific ERGO® process. Made from copper beryllium they are cold rolled, anti-magnetic and corrosion resistant. Their handles are produced using anti-static plastics.
Grattoirs include a cross cutting chisel for creating grooves and slots, a centre punch and flat, angled, three square, triangular, long blade and flexible scrapers, all with beech handles.
When working offshore the secure, organised and stable storage of hand tools can be an issue. Bahco offers the ideal solution with its ergonomic Tool Management System which enables engineers to know where to find every tool they need without delay.
Bahco’s Configurator software enables customers to choose the size, style, colour and format of lockable tool trolleys and decide how many drawers they will need for each tool group.
For more information on non-sparking tools or managed tool storage visit www.bahco.com