Nail Gun Safety

Employer –Responsible for safe condition of tools Employee –Responsible for properly using and maintaining tools

Nail Gun Safety General Safety Precautions –Keep tools in good condition –Use the right tool for the job –Examine each tool for damage prior to use –Operate according to manufacturers instructions –Use Personal Protective Equipment

Nail Gun Safety PPE must be used when hazards exist The worker on the left took a chance, the worker on the right used his PPE

Nail Gun Safety Do not let workers defeat the safety switch.. –The worker drops the gun onto the target –And skip along the work area… –On impact, the gun fires, recoil lifts the gun –And he’s on to the next target

Nail Gun Safety Pneumatic tools –Compressed air usually runs between 80 and 140 pounds per square inch (psi) –Eye protection is required –Noise protection may be required

Nail Gun Safety Pneumatic tools –Screens may be set up to protect nearby workers from flying fragments around chippers, riveting guns, staplers or air drills –Don’t point an “unloaded” air gun at anyone!

Nail Gun Safety Powder Actuated Tools –Do not use in an explosive atmosphere! –Inspect prior to operating the tool –Load when it is being used immediately –Iron and steel hand tools can create sparks around flammable substances. (Use a spark resistant tool)

Nail Gun Safety –Misfire? Wait 30 seconds Try again. If it still doesn’t fire – wait 30 more seconds Carefully remove the load Place bad cartridge in water.

Nail Gun Safety Never look into the barrel to see why it didn’t fire!

Nail Gun Safety Continued TOOL MAINTENANCE Know the manufacturers recommendations Frequently inspect tools Document periodic inspections of tools Sharpen and dress tools as required Remove defective tools from service Check adjustments and lubrication

Nail Gun Safety Continued TOOL MODIFICATION Use the safest tool available Identify the specific use of the modified tool Identify prohibited uses of the modified tool Identify employees authorized to use the tool Issue the tool only after training on its use

Develop a detailed inspection policy. Document each inspection. Inspect all tools before issue or use. Tag damaged equipment as unusable. Inspect equipment before each use Separate damaged tools from serviceable tools. Consider the effects on tools stored for long periods. Remove damaged tools from service immediately. Nail Gun Safety INSPECTION CONSIDERATIONS INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Nail Gun Safety Compressed air used in cleaning Be sure to drop the air pressure in your hoses to less than 30 psi when cleaning parts. Some new nozzles automatically drop the pressure at the working end.

Nail Gun Safety Accidents Make Headlines!

Nail Gun Safety It’s only a matter of time before –The worker nails his foot, knee or hand… –Let the surgeons put the screws in people, not our roofers!

Nail Gun Safety Don’t let this happen to you!