Pros and cons of non‐sparking tools

Abstract

AbstractAn explosion occurred on December 23, 2021 at the ExxonMobil Baytown Complex, Baytown, TX., USA. Within a week, a lawsuit was filed claiming that a contractor “using a wrench essentially as a hammer, created a spark causing the flammable gas to ignite.” This event served as an incentive to remind readers of Process Safety Progress of situations where non‐sparking tools are required by Code for work in specific flammable environments, along with the pros and cons surrounding their more general use. The potential for metal impact sparks can be overlooked by inexperienced maintenance workers, contractors, engineers, and other personnel unaware of all the hazards of working in flammable atmospheres. The debate about whether a truly “non‐sparking” tool exists or whether a metal–metal impact spark is a significant ignition hazard, other than for easily ignitable gases and other special cases, is beyond the scope of this article. Instead, we provide a discussion of potential and recognized hazards with reference to applicable Codes and Regulations.