POWDER ACTUATED NAIL GUNS

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POWDER ACTUATED NAIL GUNS

• By Kimberly Weeks

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Agenda

• History
• Description
• Use
• Cause of Injuries
• Related Statistics
• Nail Gun Injury
• Injury Prevention (OSHA Regulations)
• Summary

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History

• Use of high velocity fastening systems began
  during World War II to temporarily repair damage
  to ships

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What does it look like?

• Shown above is a powder actuated fastener and its
  container along with charges that are .22 caliber
  explosives. The various colors represent
  different levels of charge.

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Use

• Powder Actuated Nail Guns are used to join
  materials to hard substrates such as steel or
  concrete.

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Processes Which May Cause Injury

• A controlled explosion is created by igniting a
  small chemical propellant similar to the process
  that activates a .22 caliber firearm
• Being operated by unqualified personnel
• Leaving the tool unattended
• Leaving the tool loaded
• Carrying charges in a pocket
• Not being aware of someone on
• other side of a wall before firing

Explosion

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Nail Gun InjuriesTrade Association
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Nail Gun InjuriesInjury Location
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Injury Caused by Powder Actuated Nail Gun

Two employees were doing remodeling construction
and were building a wall. One of the workers was
killed when he was struck by a nail fired from a
powder-actuated tool. The tool operator, while
attempting to anchor plywood to a 2" 4" stud,
fired the tool. The nail penetrated the stud and
the plywood partition prior to striking the
victim.
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Injury PreventionTrained Personnel Only
OSHA Subpart I 1926.302 (e) 1 Only to be
operated by personnel trained specifically for
operation of powder actuated tools.
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Injury PreventionTest Tool Daily
OSHA Subpart I 1926.302 (e) 2 Test each day
before loading to be sure safety devices are
working properly.
Above and Beyond Check each time the PAT is
loaded. It could save a life.
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Injury PreventionTest Tool Daily
OSHA Subpart I 1926.302 (e) 3 Any tool not in
proper working order is to be removed from
service and not used until properly repaired.
Remove
Repair
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Injury PreventionWear Proper Safety Glasses
OSHA Regulation Supart I 1926.302 (e) 4
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Injury PreventionLoad When Ready
OSHA Subpart I (e) 5 Load just prior to intended
firing time. Do not point tool at any employee
loaded or empty.
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Injury Prevention
OSHA Subpart I 1926.302 (e) 6 Dont leave loaded
PAT unattended.
OSHA Subpart I 1926.302 (e) 7 Do not drive into
hard or brittle material such as cast iron,
glazed tile, surface-hardened steel, glass block,
live rock, face brick, or hollow tile.
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Injury PreventionCheck Both Sides Before Firing
OSHA Subpart I (e) 8 Avoid driving into easily
penetrated material unless such materials are
backed by a substance that will prevent passing
all the way through creating a flying hazard on
the other side.
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Injury Prevention
OSHA Subpart I 1926.302 (e) 9 Do not drive
fastener into spalled area.
OSHA Subpart I 1926.302(e) 10 Do not use tools in
flammable or explosive area.
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Injury PreventionShield in Place

• Subpart I 1926.302 (e) 11

Device on muzzle to prevent firing when not in
contact with surface
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Injury Prevention
OSHA Subpart I 1926.302 (e) 12 Powder Actuated
Tools must meet ANSI Standards 10.3-1970, Safety
Requirements for Explosive-Actuated Fastening
Tools.
For Further Information, Please
Visit http//www.cdc.gov/elcosh/
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Summary

• Powder Actuated Nail Guns are powerful tools
  which are to be used by trained personnel who
  understand the cautions associated with its use.
• Nail gun injuries are common. Studies show, they
  occur mostly in wood frame construction.
• Users must be vigilant to prevent injuries to
  themselves and others.
• Safety is everyones concern!

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• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vhXHVtQgtnao