Hazards | PPE Required | Tools/Material | Additional Requirements (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|
Noise | Safety glasses | Powder Acuated Fastening Tool Fasteners | Operators Manual Completion of Operators Exam |
Training Requirements |
Safe Work Practices
- Only trained, competent, and authorized persons who are familiar with the regulations and safe work procedures covering the use of the tool are permitted to operate powder-actuated tools (also known as explosive-actuated fastening tools).
- Operators must confirm they have read and understood the entire tool manual and completed the operator exam, (see attached below).
- Powder-actuated tools operate like loaded guns. Handle powder-actuated tools with the same respect and safety precautions as guns.
- Use the manufacturer's information as a guide for the safe operation and maintenance of the tool.
- Always brace yourself when working on ladders or scaffolds to maintain good balance.
- Keep tools pointed in a safe direction. Never point powder-actuated tools at anyone.
- Do not carry loaded tools from job to job.
- Do not leave loaded powder-actuated tools unattended.
- Do not allow bystanders near the work. Use a spall guard / shield wherever possible. This will limit the possibility of fastener ricochet which could cause serious injury or death to the operator or bystanders.
- Do not use powder actuated tools in a flammable or an explosive atmosphere.
- Do not fire a tool without a fastener. The piston will impact the work surface possibly causing serious injury to the operator or bystanders along with damage to the tool.
- Do not load the tool until you are ready to make a fastening. Check the power load level before inserting it into the tool chamber.
- Fastener must be loaded prior to loading the powder load, to prevent injury to operator or bystander in the event of an accidental discharge.
- Do not close the tool against work surface. The tool should be manually closed, with hand away from muzzle/barrel to prevent accidental discharge
- Hold the tool perpendicular to the work surface at all times.
- Do not attempt to install fasteners in areas that have been welded or cut with a torch as these procedures may have caused local hardening of the steel.
- NEVER attempt to drive fasteners through predrilled holes. Fasteners can deflect or ricochet potentially causing serious injury to you or bystanders.
- If you decide not to make a fastening after the tool has been loaded, you must always remove the powder load first followed by the fastener.
- Never attempt to override the safety features of this tool.
- The tool should be dismantled and cleaned before use if dirty or at least 6 monthly.
Safe Job Procedure
- Visually inspect the tool, checking it is unloaded and perform the daily function test before use.
DAILY FUNCTION TEST
Check the functioning of the tool, without a powder load or fastener in the tool, by pushing down against the work surface, pulling the trigger, and releasing the tool from the work surface. Function the unloaded tool several times and ensure that the piston guide parts, and firing mechanism operate freely before fastening with the tool. - Use only fasteners and powder loads designed for this tool.
- A center punch test must be performed to determine the suitability of the base material for the powder actuated fastening.
- Select the fastener to be used for the job. Then, place the point of the fastener against the proposed base material. Strike the fastener with a single hammer blow, then examine the point. If the point of the fastener is not blunted and the base material has a clear point indentation, it is acceptable to proceed with the first test installation.
- Refer to the tool manual for the minimum base material thickness requirement and minimum spacing and edge distances for fasteners.
- Select the correct fastener length for each particular application, this will be different for concrete and steel.
- Post warning signs stating “Powder Actuated Tool in Use” around the work area.
- Ensure you have the correct PPE, eye protection, gloves, hearing protection and a hard hat.
- Always load the fastener before inserting powder load to prevent injury to the operator or bystanders in the event of an accidental discharge. Place the fastener, point out, into the end of the guide until the fluted tip fits inside. Do not use excessive force when inserting the fastener. If excessive force is required, stop and determine why the fastener can not be inserted. Correct the problem before proceeding.
- Always point the tool in a safe direction away from bystanders and the operator. In one movement, slide the barrel forward then close it against the stop. The barrel should be pulled fully forward to reset the piston for the next fastening. Loss of power may result from an improperly positioned piston.
Do not attempt to close the tool by exerting force on the front of the barrel. Never place your fingers or hands over muzzle end of the tool. The safe position for hands and fingers is as shown in the diagram. Hands must never be placed in front of the tool muzzle or barrel. In the event of an accidental discharge, the piston and/or fastener can pass through the operator’s hand. - Insert the powder load strip into the bottom of the tool handle starting with the lowest power level, 4/Yellow. The strip should be inserted completely and should be flush with the bottom of the handle. Always insert the strip from the bottom of the handle. If this load does not fully set the fastener, try the next higher power level with a new fastener until the proper level is found. WARNING: Over driving or over powering a fastener can cause a safety hazard.
- To make a fastening, place the tool against the work surface. Hold the tool firmly with two hands and completely depress the barrel. Then squeeze the trigger. Always hold the tool perpendicular to the work surface. Hold the tool firmly against the work surface to avoid excessive recoil. Never depress the tool against anything except the work surface.
- To prepare for the next fastening, point the tool in a safe direction. Always insert a new fastener before loading or advancing the powder load strip. Insert the fastener as described in Step 9. Once the fastener is inserted, cycle the tool as described in Step 2. Repeat this procedure for subsequent fastenings. When the ten-load strip has been completely fired, remove it by pulling it from the top of the tool body.