Requirement for spark-proof tools in Class 1 Div. 1

lhutto said:

Can anyone provide any information on the requirements for the use of spark-proof tools in a Class 1 Div. 1 area? I have been searching for over a week and have been sent in circles with no direct answer.I need to ensure that the maintenance personnel are ok to work in these areas with out having to use brass tools for eveything. If someone could point me to the standard or publication for this I would appreciate any help as soon as possible because we are in the process of buying brass tools for all our mechanics because of this.

Click to expand...

I can't give any information on requirements/regulation. I don't even know that there are any regulations - other than OSHA general duty clause - and that may not apply to you.

However, here is the philosophy that I have been working to for the last 40 years - a lot of that time iin so called hot areas, such as av-gas tank yards. I would never depend on non-sparking tools to keep an atmosphere close to the LEL from igniting. I could not send anyone into an atmosphere above 10% LEL. Some places I have worked set the %LEL limit at any reading at all.

Working in a C1D1 area is not particularly dangerous. Working in an area suceptable to flammable vapors and not monitoring is foolhearty and will eventually clean the gene pool.

So what do you do to reduce the risk to a low level? There are excellent %LEL meters (sniffers) on the market that can be calibrated to the exact chemical you are dealing with. Keep the atmosphere out of the explosive range. Either be way below the LEL, or way above the UEL. If you have to get in the area, turn on the ventilation, don't go in until the atmosphere sniffs clean. Use a calibrated meter.

The biggest issue I have with non-sparking tools is the message they send, "It's okay to go into a flammable atmosphere, you have non-sparking tools. Nothing will happen." Anything goes wrong, anything at all, a tiny static spark, you can't get away from it - the air is on fire. And if somehow you survive the heat without burning your lungs to a crisp, you are not going to survive the lack of oxygen.

Get the meters. Get the calibration equipment. Get the ventilation. Sniff the area as you go in. If the process is ongoing, continuously monitor. If the %LEL starts up, set the tools down and get out. Don't go back until it is clear.

People have been doing this work safely for a lot of years - but it is all predicated on keeping the atmosphere well below the LEL - not on using copper-beryllium tools.

Side Note: c-b is a lot better than brass and they look really neat. I have a couple of hammers - expensive suckers.:grin:

cf

I can't give any information on requirements/regulation. I don't even know that there are any regulations - other than OSHA general duty clause - and that may not apply to you.However, here is the philosophy that I have been working to for the last 40 years - a lot of that time iin so called hot areas, such as av-gas tank yards. I would never depend on non-sparking tools to keep an atmosphere close to the LEL from igniting. I could not send anyone into an atmosphere above 10% LEL. Some places I have worked set the %LEL limit at any reading at all.Working in a C1D1 area is not particularly dangerous. Working in an area suceptable to flammable vapors and not monitoring is foolhearty and will eventually clean the gene pool.So what do you do to reduce the risk to a low level? There are excellent %LEL meters (sniffers) on the market that can be calibrated to the exact chemical you are dealing with. Keep the atmosphere out of the explosive range. Either be way below the LEL, or way above the UEL. If you have to get in the area, turn on the ventilation, don't go in until the atmosphere sniffs clean. Use a calibrated meter.The biggest issue I have with non-sparking tools is the message they send, "It's okay to go into a flammable atmosphere, you have non-sparking tools. Nothing will happen." Anything goes wrong, anything at all, a tiny static spark, you can't get away from it - the air is on fire. And if somehow you survive the heat without burning your lungs to a crisp, you are not going to survive the lack of oxygen.Get the meters. Get the calibration equipment. Get the ventilation. Sniff the area as you go in. If the process is ongoing, continuously monitor. If the %LEL starts up, set the tools down and get out. Don't go back until it is clear.People have been doing this work safely for a lot of years - but it is all predicated on keeping the atmosphere well below the LEL - not on using copper-beryllium tools.Side Note: c-b is a lot better than brass and they look really neat. I have a couple of hammers - expensive suckers.:grin:cf