11 Feb Powder-Actuated Hand Tools

Powder-Actuated Hand Tools

Powder-actuated hand tools use an explosive charge to drive nails, studs, or other fasteners into materials such as concrete, steel, and masonry. Because these tools operate with tremendous force, improper use can cause severe or fatal injuries from accidental discharge, ricocheting fasteners, flying debris, or fasteners passing completely through the work surface.

Only properly trained, qualified, and authorized employees may operate powder-actuated tools. Operators must carry any required qualification or certification while using the equipment.

General Safety Rules

Before operating a powder-actuated tool:

• Inspect and test the tool before each day’s use according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Verify that all safety devices are installed and functioning properly.
• Remove defective or malfunctioning tools from service immediately and tag them “Do Not Use.”
• Select the proper fastener and power load for the tool, base material, and application.
• Examine the work surface and determine what is located behind or on the opposite side of it.
• Keep unauthorized employees and bystanders clear of the work area.
• Wear required personal protective equipment.

Never point a powder-actuated tool at yourself or another person, whether the tool is loaded or unloaded.

Loading and Handling

Powder-actuated tools must be handled as though they are capable of firing at any time.

• Load the tool only immediately before it will be used.
• Never leave a loaded tool unattended.
• Keep your hands and other body parts away from the muzzle.
• Keep the tool pointed in a safe direction.
• Never engage in horseplay with a powder-actuated tool.
• Use only fasteners and power loads recommended by the tool manufacturer.
• Never use firearm ammunition in a powder-actuated tool.
• Unload the tool before storing it or when it will no longer be immediately used.

Inspect the Work Surface

Before firing, determine whether the material is suitable for fastening.

• Never drive a fastener into a surface unless you are certain the material can safely contain it.
• Examine both the work surface and the opposite side whenever possible.
• Do not drive fasteners into excessively hard, brittle, cracked, or otherwise unsuitable materials.
• Never drive a fastener into a spalled, chipped, or damaged area, including an area where a previous fastening attempt was unsuccessful.
• Maintain the manufacturer’s required distance from edges and other fasteners.
• Do not drive a fastener into easily penetrated material unless it is backed by material capable of preventing complete penetration.
• Check for concealed electrical wiring, piping, utilities, or other hazards before fastening.

Employees must not be positioned where they could be struck by a fastener penetrating through the work surface.

Safe Firing Practices

When operating the tool:

• Position the tool perpendicular to the work surface unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.
• Press the tool firmly against the surface before firing.
• Maintain control of the tool throughout the operation.
• Never attempt to defeat, bypass, wedge, or disable a safety device.
• Never attempt to fire the tool without the required contact pressure against the work surface.
• Keep other employees outside the immediate firing area.

If the fastener does not penetrate correctly, do not immediately attempt another fastening in the same location. Evaluate the material and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding.

Misfires

A misfire can still result in an unexpected discharge.

If the tool fails to fire:

• Keep the tool firmly positioned and pointed in a safe direction.
• Do not immediately remove or open the tool.
• Follow the manufacturer’s specified waiting period and misfire procedure.
• Keep other employees away from the area.
• Remove the load only according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never attempt an unauthorized repair or improvised method of clearing the tool.

A tool that repeatedly misfires or malfunctions must be removed from service.

Personal Protective Equipment

Operators and other employees exposed to powder-actuated tool operations must use appropriate PPE.

At a minimum, protection should include:

• Approved safety glasses with side protection or goggles.
• Hearing protection appropriate for the noise exposure.

Additional PPE, such as a face shield, hard hat, gloves, or protective footwear, may be required based on the task and surrounding hazards.

A face shield, when required, is supplemental protection and does not replace required primary eye protection.

Flammable and Combustible Atmospheres

Powder-actuated tools can create an ignition source.

Do not use these tools in an explosive or flammable atmosphere or where flammable gases, vapors, combustible dusts, or similar hazards could be present unless the equipment and operation are specifically approved for those conditions.

Evaluate the work area before beginning.

Training and Operator Responsibility

Training must address the specific tool being used and include:

• Tool inspection and testing.
• Proper loading and unloading.
• Selection of fasteners and power loads.
• Suitable and prohibited base materials.
• Safe firing procedures.
• Misfire and malfunction procedures.
• Required PPE.
• Tool and power-load storage.
• Manufacturer’s operating requirements.

Training does not eliminate the need for concentration. Before beginning work, evaluate the task, work surface, surrounding area, and potential hazards.

Remember

Powder-actuated tools can cause severe or fatal injuries in an instant. Inspect the tool, know what you are fastening into and what is behind it, use the correct fastener and load, wear required PPE, and never point the tool at anyone.

Powder-actuated tools are only as safe as the people operating them—use them correctly every time.