Ready, Aim

Fire!

Powder-actuated tools are fast

and dangerous.

They have the same hazards

as a firearm.
Gunpowder is used to fire a
fastener into concrete or
other material.

Approved protection gear

must be worn.
This could include:
Hardhat

Safety goggles

Gloves

Hearing protection

Before you use a powderactuated tool

Get the training you need.
Know these safety guidelines:

 Inspect and test the tool before each

shift

Use only correct fasteners

Dont load until youre ready to shoot
Never fire into chipped or splintered

material

Never fire into hardened or brittle

material

 Make sure thin or easily-penetrated

material is backed properly

Avoid use in a potentially-explosive

atmosphere

Know how to deal with a misfire

Keep fasteners, other metal objects

separate from powder load

Warn others when you are about to

use the tool

Whether you are building an

office tower or finishing your
basement, use these guns
safely!

Powder-Actuated Tool
Safety Tips
Dont use in explosive or flammable

atmosphere
Inspect tool before use to ensure:
it is clean,
that moving parts operate freely
the barrel is free from obstructions and has
the proper shield, guard, and attachments
Dont load the tool unless using immediately
Dont leave a loaded tool unattended
Keep hands clear of the barrel end
Never point the tool at anyone
Store unloaded in a locked box
OSHAOfficeofTrainingandEducation

Powder Actuated Tools

Operates like loaded gun and should be

treated with the same respect and
precautions
Must be used only by those specially
trained
Should never be used in explosive or
flammable atmosphere
Inspect clean, moving parts, and barrel
free from obstructions
Never pointed at anybody
Hands clear of barrel end
7/4/16

Powder Actuated Tools

Not be loaded unless used

immediately
Hands clear of barrel end
If misfired wait 30 seconds fire again
if not fired wait another 30 seconds
and carefully remove load then put in
water
Must wear eye and face protection
If tool defect tag and take out of
service
7/4/16

POWDER ACTUATED
TOOLS
1910.243(d)(1)

Meet
PPE

ANSI A10.3 1970

Eye Protection
Head and face depending on
conditions

Powder Actuated Tools

(cont.)
1910.243 (d)(2)
Firing

Mechanism must prevent the tool

from firing:
During loading
While preparing to fire
If dropped

POWDER ACTUATED
TOOLS (CONT.)
1910.243(d)(3)

Fasteners

used in
tool specifically
designed for that
tool
Designed for the
material that is
being driven into

Concrete
Concrete/wood

wood

Specificsize=Specificoperation

Chargesusedin
powderactuatedtools

Rightsizechargewithrightsizefastener

15

Powder Actuated Tools (cont.)

1910.243(d)(4)

Tools must be inspected before use

Defective tools taken out of service
immediately
Tools not loaded until just before intended
firing

LOADED OR EMPTY TOOLS

ARE NEVER TO BE POINTED
AT ANYONE!

POWDER ACTUATED
TOOLS (CONT.)

Fasteners

not driven into:

Very hard or brittle materials
Cast iron
Glazed tile
Surface-hardened steel
Glass block
Live rock
Face brick
Hollow tile

POWDER ACTUATED
TOOLS
Avoid

driving into
easily penetrated
material
Unless backed
Do not use tools in
explosive or flammable
atmosphere

POWDER ACTUATED
TOOLS (CONT.)

Operators must be trained in

the operation of this tool
Manufacturers training

POWDER ACTUATED
TOOLS
General

Safety Precautions:
Inspection
Firing
Misfires
Defects

P ow der A ctuated Tools

Inspection:
Its clean
All parts operate

freely
The barrel is free from
obstructions

POWDER ACTUATED
TOOLS
Firing

Keep

hands clear of the

barrel
5 pounds of force against
working material

Powder Actuated Tools

Misfires
Wait

30 seconds
Try firing again
Wait another 30 sec.
Remove the cartridge
Place in water

Powder Actuated Tools

Defects

Tag do not operate

Remove from service

FATAL FACT
Employee killed when struck in head by a nail fired
from a powder actuated tool.
Tool operator was
attempting to anchor a plywood form in preparation for
pouring a concrete wall.

FATAL FACT

Employees performing remodeling operations building a wall.

Operator was attempting to anchor plywood to a 2x 4 stud. The
nail penetrated the stud and struck the victim. One worker killed
when struck by a nail from a powder-actuated tool.