Government Requirements & Approvals

Non-Sparking, Non-Magnetic, Corrosion-Resistant Tools and Tool Kits

Recommended for use in hazardous environments where flammable or combustible vapors, liquids, dusts or residues are present.

USFA/FEMA (U.S. Fire Administration / Federal Emergency Management Agency) "Hazardous Materials Response Technology Assessment" states, "Ordinary hand tools are usually made of steel, which can cause sparks if struck, scraped, or dropped which can be disastrous in an explosive atmosphere. Tools used in a hazardous materials incident MUST be constructed of non-sparking, non-ferrous, non-magnetic corrosion resistant metals."

OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) document "Hand and Power Tools" states, "Iron or steel hand tools may produce sparks that can be an ignition source around flammable substances. Where this hazard exists, spark-resistant tools should be used..."

Ampco Non-Sparking, Non-Magnetic and Corrosion-Resistant Hand Tools conform to Federal, GSA, Military, as well as other international standards. Non-sparking or intrinsically safe tools are required and/or recommended many Federal agencies including OSHA, the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) and Supervisor of Shipbuilding & Repair (SUPSHIP) to name a few.

AMPCO Beryllium Free Tools are backed with a Lifetime Warranty and are approved by Factory Mutual for use in hazardous environments.

In general, Non-Sparking Tools should be used in any environment where ignition sources are a concern. Applications include, but not limited to:

• Maintenance and Repair Operations (MRO)
• Collection, Holding and Transfer (CHT)
• Hot Work
• Work in Confined Space
• Transportation (airports, railroads, tanker trucks, shipyards), Chemical, Petrochemical and Gas Operations
• Military
• City, tate and Federal Governments (utilities, waste management, Hazmat, WMD)
• General Dust Environments (grain, mining, paper/pulp mills)

Caution: These tools are not classified as anti-static because they DO conduct electricity. Do Not use high copper content tools in direct contact with acetylene due to the possible formation of explosive acetylide, especially in the presence of moisture.

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