Non Sparking Shovel

Highly Durable & Corrosion-Resistant Non-Sparking Shovel
 

A non-sparking Shovel is one of the non-sparking tools that makes it easy and safer to handle large or small granular type materials like sand, loose absorbents, powder, and contaminated soil. They are called spark-resistant because they are made from non-ferrous, non-magnetic, and durable materials preventing stray sparks that can ignite fire or explosions in the presence of flammable chemicals, dust, vapors, etc in the environment.

Spark-proof shovels feature a standard-sized blade attached to a strong and durable shaft. The materials used to make the shovel offer unique qualities like lightweight, strength, flexibility, and durability. It is a valuable tool for a variety of applications across various industries.
 

Key Benefits of Non-Sparking Shovel
 

• Non-sparking shovels are designed to be lightweight and easy to use. The workers can swiftly lift the weights making the process faster and safer.
• Using this tool workers can easily clean up spills without the risk of stray sparks, as the materials used for developing it are polypropylene instead of metal.
• Has reliable non-sparking properties because of their base materials and design. They can be made out of many spark-resistant metals like bronze, copper, brass, aluminum alloys, and copper alloys.
• Designed to be tough and durable, non-sparking shovels last longer because of the ability to resist oils, fuels, chemicals, or other substances that speed up corrosion.
• Most preferred in the construction and chemical industry, non-sparking tools like shovels are made rot and rust-proof. This way they can handle various types of hazardous and corrosive materials that other types of tools cannot.
• With the convenience of being an easy-to-use tool for cleaning surfaces, non-sparking tools are virtually unbreakable.
• Non-sparking shovels can handle hard floor surfaces and can even tackle concrete with excellent wear resistance.
   

Types of Non-Ferrous Metals Used for Making Non-Sparking Shovels
 

There are three major metals used for making non-sparking tools:

1. Copper Alloy

   Copper alloy is most commonly used for producing non-sparking tools such as shovels. They use a unique type of copper alloy combined with a small amount of beryllium, which grants spark-proof properties to this metal. Thus, copper alloy tools are the most appropriate for use in the presence of flammable vapors and gases.

2. Aluminum Bronze

   Aluminum bronze alloy along with a small amount of nickel is another unique metal used for developing non-sparking tools. Making them efficient to be used in environments having the risk of ignition due to friction and other factors.

3. Beryllium Copper

   Beryllium copper is made by combining a small amount of beryllium in copper alloy. Tools made from beryllium copper are the safest to be used in the environment with the risk of ignition due to static electricity or friction.
    

What Non-Sparking Shovels Are Made of?
 

Several different alloys are utilized for producing non-sparking shovels:

• Aluminum Copper Alloy:

  Aluminum copper alloy is the best alternative to other types of heavier copper-based alloys. It is not as strong compared to beryllium alloys but can retain its abilities and properties for a longer time.

• Plastic:

  Plastic is another most appropriate raw material for non-sparking shovels, as they are totally spark-proof and non-magnetic.

• Beryllium Copper:

  For some of the toughest tasks, Beryllium copper is one of the best raw materials to make spark-proof shovels. It is said to be the strongest and hardest copper alloy.

• Bronze:

  Another on the list is Bronze, which is electrically conductive but is spark-proof. Tools made from bronze have served mechanical engineering and combat for a long time now and can be found in any toolkit.

• Brass:

  With aesthetic shine and high durability, Brass tools are very expensive to use. They can be stained but it does not wear off their qualities.
   

Tips To Increase the Lifespan of Non-Sparking Shovels and Other Tools
 

• Professional Training:

  Before using non-sparking tools, a worker should get professional training and education on how to use them effectively. They all should know about the associated risks and get training on safe work practices.

• Inspection:

  Before use, you should check the non-sparking shovel each time before use. Inspect your tool for signs of wear, damage, and corrosion. Because these can affect your work performance. Finally, the damaged tools must be replaced immediately.

• Choose The Right Material:

  According to the nature of your job and task, you must choose the right material for your non-sparking shovel. The right choice can offer longevity to your tool and excellent work efficiency.

• Maintenance:

  To ensure the prevention of any hazardous incident, you must clean and maintain your tools along with the work area from any kind of flammable substances, debris, and dust.

• Overuse:

  Never overuse or over-exert force on non-sparking tools such as shovels, pliers, etc. Overusing or excessive force on the tool can result in failure and damage increasing the risk of stray sparks. Hence, use the right type of tool, apply appropriate pressure, and clean them regularly.

• Maintain Safe Distance:

  Using non-sparking tools means you are working in a potential risk zone. So, maintaining a safe distance from the site will be more appropriate. Also, note one thing sparks can travel, not far, but a few feet, so you should have to maintain an appropriate distance while on duty.

• Store Them Safely

After working, you should properly store your non-sparking shovel safely. When not in use, keep them in a clean and dry environment. This will keep them safe from corrosion. Moreover, clean and lubricate them regularly for efficiency.
 

Don’t Use on Hard Surfaces
 

Your non-sparking shovel is designed to work on soft surfaces. To avoid damaging the tool and increasing the risk of generating stray sparks, don’t strike or use them on hard surfaces.
 

How to Choose The Right Non-Sparking Shovel For Yourself?
 

Consider these factors while choosing the right one for yourself:

1. Choose the right material for your tool and select the same or compatible with the one you are working on.
2. Identify the nature of the work, so that it cannot damage the tools if it's not compatible.
3. Observe your working environment and choose the shovel made from the material that is suitable.
4. Finally, choose the one which has the right size and shape according to the nature of the job.

A non-sparking Shovel is a type of non-sparking tool used to handle loose absorbents, contaminated soil, and powder. It is specially designed to be corrosion-resistant, highly durable, and tough. They are utilized in environments where highly flammable vapors, dust, etc are present.

When manufactured from Aluminum-Bronze (AlBr) or Copper-Beryllium (CuBe) alloys, the non-sparking shovels possess non-magnetic properties and become compatible to work in hazardous environments where there is a threat of stray sparks igniting fire or explosion, because of flammable dust, vapors, or gases.