Powder-actuated tools

An Overview Chain Saws Hand Tool Safety Hand Tool Safety Alternate Nail Guns Pneumatic Tools Powder-Actuated Tools Power Tools... 

This handout is aimed at workers who use nail guns to fasten wood. It does not cover powder-actuated tools used for fastening material to metal/concrete. 

Tools, Hand Power — Powder-Actuated Tools... 

Powder-actuated tools used for fastening operate and can injure and kill much like a loaded gun and should be treated with the same respect and precautions. In fact, they are so dangerous, that they must be operated only by specially trained employees. For these reasons, OSHA regulates powder-actuated tools under 29 CFR 1926.302(e). 

Employees using powder-actuated tools must wear proper personal protective equipment. 

Powder-actuated tools shall not be used in an explosive or fiam-mable atmosphere. 

Powder-actuated tools must be used with correct shield, guard, or attachment recommended by the manufacturer. 

Powder-actuated tools must meet ANSI AlO.3-1970, Safety Requirements for Explosive-Actuated Fastening Tools. 

Only employees who have been trained in the operation of a particular tool in use may be allowed to operate a powder-actuated tool (Sec. 1926.302(e)(1)). 

Protection limitations and precautions must be given to users of eye protection equipment necessary for powder-actuated tool use (Sec. 1926.102(a)(8) and. 302(e)(4)). 

TOOLS, HAND POWER — POWDER-ACTUATED TOOLS-1... 

Show the t3rpes of eye, face, foot, and hearing protection that may be required and available for powder-actuated tool use at your company. 

Show trainees the warning sign that reads TOWDER-ACTUATED TOOL IN USE which is to be posted when using powder-actuated tools. 

J. J. KELLER S CONSTRUCTION TOOLBOX TALKS Tools, Hand Power — Powder-Actuated Tools... 

Post a warning sign that reads POWDER-ACTUATED TOOL IN USE when using a tool. 

Additional specific rules exist for using certain types of power tools such as abrasive wheels and tools, jacks, powder-actuated tools, woodworking tools, air receivers, and mechanical power transmission apparatus. If employees work with those types of power tools, you should provided with training specific to each of those they work with. 

Proper use and handling of fuel-powered, pneumatic, and powder-actuated tools is also covered in Subpart I. Only employees who have been trained should operate powder-actuated tools. In addition, both power and hand tools should be maintained and serviced on a regular basis. Jacks are the last item covered under Subpart I. Proper blocking and securing of the lifted part is covered along with maintenance requirements. The standards also require the tagging of faulty or broken jacks so they will not be used by mistake. 

If a powder-actuated tool misfires, the employee should wait at least 30 seconds and then try firing it again. If it still will not fire, the user should wait another 30 seconds so that the faulty cartridge is less likely to explode, and then carefully remove the load. The bad cartridge should be put in water. 

Suitable eye and face protection are essential when using a powder-actuated tool. 

All powder-actuated tools must be designed for varying powder charges so that the user can select a powder level necessary to do the work without excessive force. 

Each powder-actuated tool must be stored in its own locked container when not being used. A sign at least 7 inches by 10 inches with boldface type reading POWDER- OR EXPLOSIVE-ACTUATED TOOL IN USE should be posted conspicuously when the tool is being used. Powder-actuated tools are to be left unloaded until they are actually ready for use. Powder-actuated tools must be inspected for... 

Requirements for leaving powder-actuated tools unattended on a construction building site... 

Q. Section 1926.302(e)(6) states, with regards to powder-actuated tools, that loaded tools shall not be left unattended. What is OSHA s definition of unattended under 1926.302 Would the definition of unattended in 1910.178(m)(5)(ii) for powered industrial trucks be applicable ... 

Both standards address the concept of how close an operator must be to be considered attending equipment. In the case of 1926.302(e)(6), the hazard is that, if the tool is unattended, a worker who is not knowledgeable and not authorized to use a powder-actuated tool may pick it up and use it improperly. For example, the authorized worker may have loaded the tool with a cartridge designed to shoot a nail into concrete. An unauthorized worker may not know that different cartridges are used for different materials. If the unauthorized worker used the tool to nail into a 2x4 in a framed wall, it could penetrate all the way through and exit the 2x4 and strike a worker standing on the other side of the wall. 

Training requirements for powder-actuated tools under 1926.302(e) — 1926.302 — Mar. 10,... 

Q. To meet the training requirement in 1926.302(e)(1) for use of powder-actuated tools, must the manufacturer s representative conduct the training, or may any competent person provide it ... 

A. Section 1926.302(e) requires that only employees who are trained in the operation of the particular tool In use can operate a powder-actuated tool. This provision does not specify particular qualifications for the person conducting the training. However, to meet the requirement that employees be trained in the tool s operation, as a practical matter, the trainer would need to have both sufficient knowledge regarding the tool and sufficient training ability to successfully convey the information to the employee. Therefore, the standard does not require that the trainer necessarily be the manufacturer s representative. 

This provision applies specifically to powder-actuated tools, and is thus inapplicable to the tool you describe, which is fuel-actuated. The section of the standard that addresses the fuel-actuated tools you are asking about, 1926.302(c) (Fuel powered tools), does not include a requirement on training. 

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