Which characteristic is essential for tools used around explosives?

The essential characteristic for tools used around explosives is their non-reactiveness with materials. This is crucial because tools that interact chemically with explosive materials can inadvertently cause reactions that may lead to detonation, combustion, or other dangerous situations. Non-reactive tools ensure that there is no risk of creating a spark or other unwanted reaction in the presence of sensitive materials, which enhances safety in explosive environments.

While durability against corrosion is important for maintaining the longevity of tools, it does not directly address the risks of interaction with explosives. Lightweight construction can be beneficial for ease of use, but it is not as critical as non-reactiveness in ensuring safety. High conductivity could pose a hazard as well since conductive materials may facilitate unintended electrical sparks or interactions with explosive devices. Hence, non-reactiveness is the paramount attribute needed for tools in these high-risk applications.