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Write a safe work procedure for M18 FUEL FRAMING NAILERS

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Published by SALUS

Operating M18 FUEL Framing Nailers ==================================

Document Number: \[SWP-NUMBER]

Revision Date: \[DATE]

Next Review Date: \[NEXT REVIEW DATE]

Department: \[DEPARTMENT NAME]

1\. Scope

This safe work procedure applies to the safe operation of M18 FUEL framing nailers used for framing, sheathing, subflooring, blocking, and related wood-fastening tasks in construction and renovation work. It covers pre-use inspection, trigger safety, loading and firing, placement work, toe-nailing, work at height, jam clearing, misfire response, maintenance, training and competency, lockout/tagout or equivalent isolation where applicable, incident reporting, and compliance with OSHA requirements and manufacturer instructions. The procedure is intended for trained workers using the specific M18 FUEL framing nailer model approved for the task and must be used together with the manufacturer’s operating manual, site-specific risk controls, and applicable company procedures. It does not replace manufacturer instructions, does not authorize use on materials or applications outside the tool’s design limits, and does not cover powder-actuated tools or non-approved modifications to the tool.

2\. Definitions

Sequential trigger A trigger system that fires only when the safety contact tip is pressed against the workpiece first and the trigger is then pulled. The trigger and safety contact must be released and activated again for each additional nail, which reduces the likelihood of unintended discharge and double firing. Contact trigger A trigger system that can fire when the trigger and safety contact are activated in either order. If the trigger is held squeezed, the tool can fire repeatedly each time the safety contact is pushed, increasing the risk of misfires, double fires, and unintended discharge. Recoil The rapid rebound or kickback that occurs after the nailer is fired. Recoil can affect tool control, increase the chance of double firing, and contribute to loss of balance or inaccurate placement, especially in awkward positions or at height. Ricochet The deflection or bounce of a nail after it strikes a hard surface, knot, metal connector, or other obstruction. Ricochets can send nails or fragments toward the operator, nearby workers, or bystanders. Lockout/tagout A controlled isolation process used to prevent unexpected energization, pressurization, or tool movement during servicing, jam clearing, or maintenance. For pneumatic nailers this typically includes disconnecting and securing the air supply and verifying zero stored energy before work begins.

3\. Responsibilities

3\.1 Supervisors

  • Ensure only trained and authorized workers operate M18 FUEL framing nailers and that workers understand the manufacturer’s instructions, trigger type, loading method, and safe operating limits before starting work.
  • Verify that the correct trigger configuration is used for the task, with full sequential trigger operation preferred for framing and placement work where practical, and remove damaged, modified, or malfunctioning tools from service immediately.
  • Plan the work so workers are not in the line of fire from co-workers’ nailers, and ensure safe access, stable footing, and appropriate fall protection or work platforms for elevated work.
  • Confirm that required PPE, inspection records, maintenance controls, and emergency arrangements are in place before work begins.
  • Ensure incidents, near misses, misfires, jams, and tool defects are reported, investigated, and corrected, and that lessons learned are communicated to the crew.

3\.2 Workers

  • Follow this procedure, the manufacturer’s manual, and site rules at all times; operate the nailer only when fit for duty and competent to do so.
  • Inspect the tool, battery, fasteners, hose or air fittings where applicable, trigger, safety contact tip, and work area before use; remove defective equipment from service and report defects immediately.
  • Keep hands, body parts, and co-workers out of the line of fire; keep fingers off the trigger until ready to fire; and never point the tool at any person, even when unloaded or disconnected.
  • Disconnect or isolate the power source before clearing jams, performing maintenance, passing the tool to another worker, traveling on ladders or stairs, or leaving the tool unattended.
  • Report injuries, near misses, misfires, ricochets, and unsafe conditions immediately and seek prompt medical attention for any nail gun injury, even if it appears minor.

3\.3 Health and Safety Representative

  • Monitor compliance with this procedure and applicable safety requirements, and participate in inspections, audits, and field observations focused on nail gun hazards and control effectiveness.
  • Support hazard reporting, incident investigation, and corrective action tracking, and help ensure workers are not discouraged from reporting injuries or close calls.
  • Assist with review of training content, work procedures, and lessons learned from incidents to improve future controls and reduce repeat events.

4\. Potential Hazards and Risks

HazardRiskControl Measures
Unintended discharge from contact trigger use, bump firing, or holding the trigger while moving the toolNail can fire into the operator, a co-worker, or an unintended surface, causing puncture wounds, fractures, eye injury, or fatal injury.Use a full sequential trigger where possible, keep fingers off the trigger until the nose is fully positioned on the workpiece, and never carry or lower the tool with the trigger squeezed. Maintain awareness of co-workers and keep the tool pointed away from the body and others at all times.
Recoil and double firing during placement work or in tight spacesSecond nail discharge or loss of control can injure hands, face, legs, or nearby workers.Allow the tool to recoil naturally after each shot, avoid forcing the nose against the workpiece, use clamps or a hammer where appropriate, and use a full sequential trigger or alternative fastening method in tight or awkward positions.
Ricochet or nail deflection from knots, metal connectors, straps, hangers, dense material, or edgesProjectile nails or fragments can strike the operator or others, causing eye, face, hand, or body injuries.Inspect lumber and fastening surfaces before nailing, avoid firing into knots or metal features where possible, use the correct fastening method for metal joinery, and reposition the work or use a hammer/positive placement tool when the surface is unsuitable.
Nail penetration through the workpiece or missing the workpiece during placement workThe nail can exit the material and strike the non-dominant hand, bystanders, or become airborne.Keep hands at least 12 inches from the nailing point during placement work, use clamps instead of hands to hold material, verify full contact of the safety tip, and maintain stable alignment before firing.
Work at height, ladder use, or unstable footing while operating the nailerLoss of balance, falls, and accidental discharge can cause serious injury or death.Use scaffolds or other stable platforms where feasible, maintain three points of contact on ladders, avoid overreaching, and disconnect the power source when traveling up or down ladders or stairs or when passing the tool.
Bypassing, modifying, or disabling safety featuresThe tool may fire unintentionally and create a hazard for the current user and future users.Never remove, tape, tie down, or otherwise disable the trigger, safety contact tip, or related safety devices. Remove any modified or damaged tool from service immediately and have it inspected and repaired by an authorized person.
Compressed air, battery, or stored-energy release during jam clearing or maintenanceUnexpected firing, tool movement, or component release can cause hand injuries or eye injuries.Isolate the tool before servicing by disconnecting the air supply or removing the battery and verifying the tool cannot fire. Follow lockout/tagout or equivalent isolation practices where required by site rules, and clear jams only after the tool is fully de-energized.
Noise exposure from repeated nail gun operationShort impulse noise can contribute to temporary or permanent hearing loss.Wear hearing protection suitable for the noise environment, ensure it is fitted correctly, and use the lowest practical exposure time and safe work sequencing to reduce repeated firing where possible.

5\. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment is the last line of defense and must be worn in addition to safe work practices, tool controls, and work planning. PPE must be selected to match the task, fit the worker correctly, and remain in good condition throughout use.

  • Safety glasses or goggles: Wear high-impact eye protection marked ANSI Z87\.1 or Z87\+ to protect against flying nails, ricochets, dust, and fragments. Eye protection must provide full coverage and be worn whenever the nailer is in use or when fasteners are being loaded, cleared, or serviced. [2]

[1]

  • Use side shields or sealed goggles where there is a higher risk of ricochet or airborne debris.
  • Replace scratched, cracked, or damaged lenses immediately.
  • Hearing protection: Wear earplugs or earmuffs suitable for impulse noise generated by pneumatic or battery-powered framing nailers. Hearing protection must be worn correctly and consistently during active nailing and any nearby exposure to repeated tool discharge. [2]

[5]

  • Select hearing protection with adequate attenuation for the work environment.
  • Ensure earmuffs seal properly over the ears and earplugs are inserted correctly.
  • Safety footwear: Wear safety shoes or steel-toe footwear to reduce the severity of foot injuries from dropped tools, misfires, or nails that strike the feet. Footwear must be in good condition, provide slip resistance, and be appropriate for the walking and climbing surfaces at the site. [1]

[2]

  • Use footwear with puncture-resistant or reinforced toe protection where required by site rules.
  • Keep laces secured and soles free of mud or debris to maintain traction.
  • Hard hat: Wear a hard hat where overhead hazards exist, including framing, overhead work, material handling, and work beneath other trades. The hard hat helps protect against falling objects, accidental contact with the tool, and impact from ricochet-related events. [2]
  • Inspect the shell and suspension before each shift.
  • Replace the hard hat if it is cracked, heavily worn, or has been impacted.
  • Work gloves suitable for handling lumber and fasteners: Wear gloves that improve grip and protect against splinters, sharp edges, and minor abrasions while still allowing safe trigger control and tool handling. Gloves must not interfere with the ability to maintain control of the nailer or feel the trigger and safety contact tip.
  • Choose close-fitting gloves with good dexterity.
  • Remove gloves that are torn, oil-soaked, or excessively worn.
  • High-visibility or task-appropriate work clothing: Wear clothing that does not interfere with tool operation, ladder use, or movement around the work area. Clothing should be close-fitting enough to avoid snagging on the tool, hose, battery, or surrounding materials.
  • Avoid loose sleeves, dangling cords, or jewelry that could catch on the tool.
  • Use weather-appropriate layers that do not restrict movement or visibility.

Inspect PPE before each use for cracks, tears, contamination, poor fit, or reduced performance. Clean and store PPE according to manufacturer instructions, replace damaged items immediately, and ensure eye and hearing protection remain serviceable and correctly fitted. Do not use PPE that has been modified, expired, or compromised by impact, chemical exposure, or excessive wear.

6\. Equipment and Tools

Only use equipment and tools that are approved for the task, compatible with the M18 FUEL framing nailer, and maintained in safe working condition. Defective, modified, or poorly maintained equipment must be removed from service immediately.

  • M18 FUEL framing nailer: Use only the approved M18 FUEL framing nailer model for the intended fastening task. The tool must be equipped with the correct trigger configuration, safety contact tip, and fastener type specified by the manufacturer. Do not use the tool if it has been modified, damaged, or shows signs of malfunction. [4]

[8]

  • Verify model compatibility with the intended fastener size and application.
  • Confirm that all safety labels and operating instructions are present and legible.
  • Battery pack and charger: Use only the battery pack and charger specified by the manufacturer. Inspect the battery for cracks, swelling, leakage, damaged terminals, or contamination before use, and remove any defective battery from service. Charge batteries in accordance with manufacturer instructions and keep them away from heat, moisture, and impact.
  • Do not use damaged or overheated batteries.
  • Store batteries in a protected location when not in use.
  • Approved fasteners: Use only the correct nails for the tool, application, and material thickness. Fasteners must be clean, undamaged, and loaded according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent jams, misfires, and poor fastening performance.
  • Check nail strip condition before loading.
  • Do not mix incompatible fastener types or lengths.
  • Clamps or work-holding devices: Use clamps, jigs, or other approved work-holding devices when material must be stabilized during placement work. These devices reduce the need to place hands near the nailing point and help maintain control of the workpiece. [3]
  • Use clamps instead of hands whenever practical.
  • Ensure clamps do not interfere with the nail path or tool nose.
  • Ladder, scaffold, or elevated work platform: Use stable access equipment that is appropriate for the task and allows the worker to maintain balance and control. Ladders should only be used when the task can be performed safely without overreaching, and scaffolds or other platforms should be considered where repeated nailing at height is required. [3]

[10]

  • Maintain three points of contact on ladders.
  • Position access equipment to avoid overreaching and side loading.
  • Air hose, fittings, or equivalent power connection where applicable: Where the tool uses compressed air or another external power connection, inspect hoses, fittings, couplings, and connectors for damage, leaks, wear, and secure attachment before use. The connection must prevent accidental disconnection and must not be used to hoist or lower the tool. [6]

[6]

  • Keep hoses routed to prevent tripping and snagging.
  • Do not drag the tool by the hose or use the hose for lifting.

Inspect the nailer, battery, fasteners, safety contact tip, trigger, nosepiece, and any hose or connector before each use. Check for cracks, loose parts, air leaks, damaged cords or batteries, worn seals, and signs of tampering or modification. Verify that the tool cycles correctly, the safety contact moves freely, and the trigger returns properly. Remove any defective or malfunctioning tool from service immediately and tag it out until repaired by an authorized person.

7\. Pre-Job Requirements

7\.1 Training and Competency

Training and competency: Only workers who have received task-specific training and demonstrated competency may operate the M18 FUEL framing nailer. Training must cover how the tool works, trigger differences, loading and unloading, safe firing technique, recoil control, placement work, toe-nailing, ladder and scaffold precautions, jam clearing, maintenance, first aid, and incident reporting. Hands-on practice with the actual tool to be used on site is required before independent operation. [9] [9] [11]

7\.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-job briefing: Before work starts, the supervisor must review the task sequence, trigger mode, material conditions, access method, exclusion zones, communication signals, emergency arrangements, and the specific hazards expected for the shift. The briefing must confirm that workers understand where the manual is kept, what to do if the tool malfunctions, and when to stop work and seek assistance. [9] [10]

8\. Safe Work Procedure Steps

  1. 1\. Confirm authorization and review the task: Verify that you are trained, fit for duty, and assigned to the task. Review the work plan, material type, trigger mode, fastener size, access method, and any special hazards such as placement work, toe-nailing, tight spaces, or work at height. Stop and ask questions if any part of the task is unclear. [9]

[4]

  • Confirm the correct tool and fasteners for the job.
  • Review the manufacturer manual and site-specific controls before starting.
  1. 2\. Inspect the tool and power source: Inspect the M18 FUEL framing nailer, battery, fasteners, nosepiece, trigger, safety contact tip, and any connectors or hoses before use. Check for damage, tampering, loose parts, leaks, or abnormal wear. Do not use the tool if any safety feature is missing, broken, or modified. [4]

[8]

  • Verify the trigger returns freely and the safety contact moves smoothly.
  • Confirm the battery is secure and the tool is clean and free of debris.
  1. 3\. Prepare the work area and establish exclusion zones: Ensure the work area is clear, well lit, and arranged so the operator is not in the line of fire of other workers. Keep co-workers clear of the nailing zone, and position materials so the operator can maintain balance and control. Use clamps or other supports where practical to keep hands away from the nailing point. [10]

[10]

  • Keep bystanders and co-workers outside the firing path.
  • Use stable access equipment and avoid overreaching.
  1. 4\. Don PPE before handling the nailer: Put on all required PPE before loading or handling the tool. Verify that eye protection, hearing protection, safety footwear, and any other required PPE are correctly fitted and in good condition. Do not begin work if required PPE is missing or damaged. [2]

[2]

  • Check that eye protection is marked appropriately and fits securely.
  • Ensure hearing protection is worn before the first test shot or fastening operation.
  1. 5\. Load the nailer according to the manufacturer’s instructions: Load only the approved fasteners and follow the manufacturer’s loading sequence exactly. Keep fingers away from the trigger and nose during loading, and verify that the magazine is seated and latched before use. If the tool does not load smoothly, stop and inspect it rather than forcing components into place. [9]
  • Use only compatible fasteners.
  • Do not load a damaged or contaminated fastener strip.
  1. 6\. Position the tool safely before firing: Place the safety contact tip firmly on the workpiece before pulling the trigger. Keep the tool pointed away from your body and away from co-workers, and never rest the tool against yourself or another person. Maintain a stable stance and keep both hands positioned to preserve control of the tool and workpiece. [1]

[1]

  • Do not hold the trigger unless you intend to fire.
  • Do not fire until the nose is firmly on the workpiece.
  1. 7\. Fire nails using controlled, deliberate movements: Fire one nail at a time unless the task and tool configuration specifically require another approved mode. Allow the tool to recoil naturally and do not force the nose into the workpiece after firing. If the work requires placement nailing, keep hands well clear of the nailing point and use clamps or other supports whenever possible. [7]

[10]

  • Maintain control of the tool after each shot.
  • Pause and reposition if the tool begins to slip or recoil excessively.
  1. 8\. Manage awkward positions and work at height: Use extra caution for toe-nailing, overhead work, tight spaces, and ladder work. Reposition the work or use a hammer when the nailer cannot be controlled safely with the dominant hand. Maintain three points of contact on ladders, avoid overreaching, and use scaffolds or other stable platforms where practical. [10]

[8]

  • Do not use the non-dominant hand to operate the nailer.
  • If the task cannot be performed safely, stop and change the method.
  1. 9\. Respond to misfires, jams, or abnormal tool behavior: If the nailer misfires, double fires, jams, leaks, or behaves unexpectedly, stop work immediately. Isolate the power source, keep the tool pointed in a safe direction, and clear the jam only after the tool is fully de-energized. Do not strike, pry, or force components while the tool is energized. [1]

[4]

  • Remove the battery or disconnect the air supply before clearing the jam.
  • Tag the tool out of service if the problem repeats or cannot be corrected safely.
  1. 10\. Shut down, secure, and store the tool: When work is complete or interrupted, remove the battery or disconnect the air supply, clear the tool if required by the manufacturer, and store it in a secure location. Never leave the tool unattended in a condition where it could be activated or accessed by unauthorized persons. [1]

[10]

  • Store fasteners and batteries separately as required by site rules.
  • Inspect the tool after use and report any damage before the next shift.

9\. Precautions and Safety Measures

  • Use full sequential trigger operation as the default control measure for framing nailer work whenever the task allows. - This reduces the likelihood of unintended discharge and double firing, especially during placement work and when co-workers are nearby. [11]
  • Keep the tool pointed away from the body and other people at all times. - This applies during loading, firing, carrying, passing, and storage, including when the tool is unloaded or disconnected. [1]
  • Disconnect or isolate the power source before passing the tool, climbing ladders or stairs, clearing jams, or performing maintenance. - For pneumatic tools, disconnect the compressed air; for battery tools, remove the battery and verify the tool cannot fire. [1]

[10]

  • Inspect the work surface before nailing and avoid fastening into knots, metal hardware, straps, hangers, or other ricochet-prone features where possible. - If the surface is unsuitable, change the fastening method, reposition the work, or use a hammer or positive placement tool as appropriate. [10]

[13]

  • Use clamps or other work-holding devices instead of hands whenever practical during placement work. - This keeps hands away from the nailing point and reduces the chance of through-penetration injuries. [10]
  • Maintain safe access and balance when working at height. - Use scaffolds where practical, maintain three points of contact on ladders, and avoid overreaching or side loading the ladder while operating the nailer. [8]

[10]

  • Do not modify, bypass, tape, tie down, or otherwise disable any safety feature. - Any tool with altered safety controls must be removed from service and repaired or replaced before use. [8]

[12]

  • Provide immediate first aid and medical evaluation for any nail gun injury, even if the wound appears minor. - Do not assume the injury is superficial; embedded material, fractures, and internal damage may not be visible at the scene. [5]

[5]

10\. Emergency Procedures

10\.1 General Emergency Response

Stop work immediately, make the area safe, isolate the tool, and call for assistance. Provide first aid within the limits of training, summon emergency medical services for serious injuries, and do not remove embedded nails unless directed by medical professionals. Preserve the scene for investigation when it is safe to do so.

10\.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

  • Nail gun puncture wound to hand, foot, leg, face, or body: Stop the tool, isolate the power source, and apply first aid. Treat the injury as potentially serious even if bleeding is minimal. Seek immediate medical attention because internal damage, fractures, or embedded material may not be obvious. Do not attempt to remove a deeply embedded nail or foreign material unless instructed by medical personnel. [5]

[5]

  • Misfire, double fire, or unintended discharge toward a worker or co-worker: Stop using the tool immediately, warn nearby workers, and isolate the tool from its power source. Check for injury, provide first aid, and report the event as a near miss or incident. Remove the tool from service until it has been inspected and corrected by an authorized person. [7]

[4]

  • Tool jam during operation: Keep the tool pointed in a safe direction, stop work, and disconnect or remove the power source before attempting to clear the jam. Follow the manufacturer’s jam-clearing instructions only after the tool is fully de-energized. If the jam cannot be cleared safely, tag the tool out of service and send it for repair. [1]

[9]

  • Fall, loss of balance, or ladder incident while carrying or using the nailer: Stop work, secure the area, and assess for injuries before moving the worker. Provide first aid and call emergency services if needed. Do not resume work until the cause of the fall is identified and controls are improved, such as changing access equipment, repositioning the work, or using a sequential trigger and better work planning. [8]

[10]

10\.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency contact information must be posted or readily available at the worksite in accordance with site procedures, including site supervision, first aid support, and emergency medical services. Workers must know how to summon help immediately for any nail gun injury or serious near miss.

Approved by: \[NAME AND POSITION]

Date: \[APPROVAL DATE]

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13 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Nail Gun Safety: A Guide for Construction Contractors

Page 15

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Six Steps to Nail Gun Safety (cont.) ## You should know (cont.) - Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times to prevent a fall—this means that clamps may need to be used for placement work. Holding a nailer in one hand and the work piece with the other provides only two points of contact (your feet). Reaching and recoil can make you lose your balance and fall. Falls, especially with contact trigger nailers, can result in nail gun injuries. ## Don'ts... • Never bypass or disable nail gun safety features. This is strictly prohibited. Tampering includes removing the spring from the safety-contact tip and/or tying down, taping or otherwise securing the trigger so it does not need to be pressed. Tampering increases the chance that the nail gun will fire unin- tentionally both for the current user and anyone else who may use the nail gun. Nail gun manufacturers strongly recommend against tampering and OSHA requires that tools be maintained in a safe condition. There is NO legitimate reason to modify or disable a nail gun safety device. • Encourage your workers to keep their fingers off the trigger when holding or carrying a nail gun. If this is not natural, workers should use a full sequential nail gun or set down the nailer until they begin to nail again. - Never lower the nail gun from above or drag the tool by the hose. If the nail-gun hose gets caught on something, don't pull on the hose. Go find the problem and release the hose. • Never use the nailer with the non-dominant hand. ## 4 Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safety shoes, which help protect workers' toes from nail gun injuries, are typi- cally required by OSHA on residential construction sites. In addition, employers should provide, at no cost to employees, the following protective equipment for workers using nail guns: • Hard hats • High Impact eye protection - safety glasses or goggles marked ANSI Z87.1 • Hearing protection - either earplugs or earmuffs ## ⑤…

[2] Nail Gun Safety: A Guide for Construction Contractors

Page 14

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Six Steps to Nail Gun Safety (cont.) ## You should know Training is important: untrained workers are more likely to expe- rience a nail gun injury than a trained worker. 12 Training does not trump triggers: trained workers using contact trig- gers still have twice the overall risk of injury as trained workers using sequential triggers. • Set up operations so that workers are not in the line of fire from nail guns being operated by co-workers. • Check lumber surfaces before nailing. Look for knots, nails, straps, hangers, etc. that could cause recoil or ricochet. - Use a hammer or positive placement nailer when nailing metal joinery or irregular lumber. • For placement work, keep hands at least 12 inches away from the nailing point at all times. Consider using clamps to brace instead of your hands. • Always shoot nail guns away from your body and away from co-workers. - Always disconnect the compressed air when: - Leaving a nailer unattended; - Travelling up and down a ladder or stairs; - Passing the nail gun to a co-worker; - Clearing jammed nails; - Performing any other maintenance on the nail gun. • Recognize the dangers of awkward position work and provide extra time and precautions: - Use a hammer if you cannot reach the work while holding the nailer with your dominant hand. - Use a hammer or reposition for work at face or head height. Recoil is more difficult to control and could be dangerous. - Use a hammer or full sequential trigger nailer when working in a tight space. Recoil is more difficult to control and double fires could occur with contact triggers. - Take extra care with toe-nailing. Nail guns can slip before or during firing because the gun cannot be held flush against the work piece. Use a nail gun with teeth on the safety contact to bite into the work piece to keep the gun from slipping during the shot. Use the trigger to fire only after the safety contact piece is positioned. - Recognize the dangers of nail …

[3] OSHA Nail Gun Safety

Page 15

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Six Steps to Nail Gun Safety (cont.) ## You should know (cont.) Maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times to prevent a fall-this means that clamps may need to be used for placement work. Holding a nailer in one hand and the work piece with the other provides only two points of contact (your feet). Reaching and recoil can make you lose your balance and fall. Falls, especially with contact trigger nailers, can result in nail gun injuries. ## Don'ts... • Never bypass or disable nail gun safety features. This is strictly prohibited. Tampering includes removing the spring from the safety-contact tip and/or tying down, taping or otherwise securing the trigger so it does not need to be pressed. Tampering increases the chance that the nail gun will fire unin- tentionally both for the current user and anyone else who may use the nail gun. Nail gun manufacturers strongly recommend against tampering and OSHA requires that tools be maintained in a safe condition. There is NO legitimate reason to modify or disable a nail gun safety device. - Encourage your workers to keep their fingers off the trigger when holding or carrying a nail gun. If this is not natural, workers should use a full sequential nail gun or set down the nailer until they begin to nail again. - Never lower the nail gun from above or drag the tool by the hose. If the nail-gun hose gets caught on something, don't pull on the hose. Go find the problem and release the hose. - Never use the nailer with the non-dominant hand. ## Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Safety shoes, which help protect workers' toes from nail gun injuries, are typi- cally required by OSHA on residential construction sites. In addition, employers should provide, at no cost to employees, the following protective equipment for workers using nail guns: • Hard hats • High Impact eye protection - safety glasses or goggles marked ANSI Z87.1 • Hearing protection - either earplugs or earmuffs ## Enc…

[4] Nail Gun Safety: A Guide for Construction Contractors

Page 16

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Six Steps to Nail Gun Safety (cont.) ## Worksite Story ## 6 Provide first aid and medical treatment A construction worker accidentally drove a 16 penny framing nail into his thigh. It didn't bleed much and he didn't seek medical care. He removed the nail himself. Three days later he felt a snap in his leg and severe pain. In the emergency room, doctors removed a sheared off nail and found that his thigh bone had fractured. Not all injuries are immediately visible. Failure to seek medical care can result in complications and more serious injuries. Employers and workers should seek medical attention immediately after nail gun injuries, even for hand injuries that appear to be minimal. Studies suggest that 1 out of 4 nail gun hand injuries can involve some type of structural dam- age such as bone fracture. 13 Materials such as nail strip glue or plastic or even clothing can get embedded in the injury and lead to infection. Barbs on the nail can cause secondary injury if the nail is removed incorrectly. These complica- tions can be avoided by having workers seek immediate medical care. ## A Word about Other Hazards Air pressure. Pneumatic tools and compressor use are regulated under OSHA's Construction standard at 29 CFR 1926.302(b). The provisions in this standard that are relevant for nail guns are provided below. (1) Pneumatic power tools shall be secured to the hose or whip by some positive means to prevent the tool from becoming accidentally disconnected. Note: An OSHA letter of interpretation14 allows the use of a quick disconnect with a pull-down sleeve to meet this requirement. It is composed of a male fitting (connector) and female fitting (coupling) that has a sleeve which must be pulled away from the end of the hose to separate the two fittings to prevent the tool from becoming accidentally disconnected. (3) All pneumatically driven nailers, staplers, and other similar equipment provided with automatic fastener feed, which operate at more than 10…

[5] OSHA Nail Gun Safety

Page 16

Open source document

Source excerpt

# Six Steps to Nail Gun Safety (cont.) ## Worksite Story A construction worker accidentally drove a 16 penny framing nail into his thigh. It didn't bleed much and he didn't seek medical care. He removed the nail himself. Three days later he felt a snap in his leg and severe pain. In the emergency room, doctors removed a sheared of nail and found that his thigh bone had fractured. Not all injuries are immediately visible. Failure to seek medical care can result in complications and more serious injuries. ## 6 Provide first aid and medical treatment Employers and workers should seek medical attention immediately after nail gun injuries, even for hand injuries that appear to be minimal. Studies suggest that 1 out of 4 nail gun hand injuries can involve some type of structural dam- age such as bone fracture. ¹³ Materials such as nail strip glue or plastic or even clothing can get embedded in the injury and lead to infection. Barbs on the nail can cause secondary injury if the nail is removed incorrectly. These complica- tions can be avoided by having workers seek immediate medical care. ## A Word about Other Hazards Air pressure. Pneumatic tools and compressor use are regulated under OSHA's Construction standard at 29 CFR 1926.302(b). The provisions in this standard that are relevant for nail guns are provided below. (1) Pneumatic power tools shall be secured to the hose or whip by some positive means to prevent the tool from becoming accidentally disconnected. Note: An OSHA letter of interpretation 14 allows the use of a quick disconnect with a pull-down sleeve to meet this requirement. It is composed of a male fitting (connector) and female fitting (coupling) that has a sleeve which must be pulled away from the end of the hose to separate the two fittings to prevent the tool from becoming accidentally disconnected. (3) All pneumatically driven nailers, staplers, and other similar equipment provided with automatic fastener feed, which operate at more than …

[6] Toolbox Talk: Nail Gun Safety

Page 1

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CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING TALK Nail Gun Safety Understanding the trigger mechanism of nail guns is the key to using them safely. Using the sequential trigger-in which you first depress the nailer nose against the workpiece and then pull the trigger to fire-reduces injuries. The bump trigger can result in misfires, double firing, and unintended firing and increase the risk for injuries. You and coworkers are also at risk for injury when nails shoot through or ricochet off materials. ## Sam's Story Sam, a roofer, was using a nail gun with a contact trigger (bump nailer) when a fellow worker walked by and accidentally bumped into him. The nail gun hit Sam's shoe, firing a nail into Sam's foot. He was rushed to the hospital. Sam had to wear a cast on his foot and was not able to return to work for a month. While his foot healed, he could stand for only short periods. * Have you or someone you know ever been injured by a nail gun misfiring? If so, what happened? - How could this injury have been prevented? ## Remember This Use a nail gun with a sequential trigger instead of a contact trigger (bump nailer). Contact triggers don't save time overall, and they cause twice as many injuries. ➤ Keep the nail gun pointed away from your body and other people, especially when the air supply is connected. ➤ Disconnect the compressed air if you are: - o leaving a nailer unattended ○ traveling up and down a ladder or stairs 。 passing the nail gun to a co-worker - o clearing jammed nails - o performing maintenance. ➤ Use a hammer if you cannot reach the work while holding the nailer with your dominant hand. ➤ When toe-nailing, do not try to hold the gun flush against the workpiece. ➤ Wear safety glasses manufactured as (or marked on the frame as) Z87+. ➤ Use hearing protection and wear steal-toe footwear. - Get training on safe nail gun use. - NEVER use a nailer with a broken or modified trigger. Don't remove or tamper w…

[7] Nail Gun Safety: A Guide for Construction Contractors

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# Know Your Triggers (cont.) ## Useful terms Recoil is the rapid rebound or kick- back after the nailer is fired. A double fire occurs when a second nail unintentionally fires because the nailer re-contacted the work piece after recoil. It can also occur if the safety contact slips while the user is positioning the nail gun. Several tool manufactur- ers offer "anti-double fire" features for their nail guns. ## You should know Unintended nail discharge is a common source of injuries. A study of workers' compensation records found that two-thirds of nail gun injury claims involved some type of unintended nail gun discharge or misfire.6 ## Worksite Story Two framers were working togeth- er to lay down and nail a subfloor. One framer was waiting and hold- ing the nail gun with his finger on the contact trigger. The other framer was walking backwards toward him and dragging a sheet of plywood. The framer handling the plywood backed into the tip of the nail gun and was shot in the back. The nail nicked his kidney, but fortunately he recovered. As a result of this incident, the contrac- tor switched to using only sequen- tial triggers on framing nail guns. Co-workers can get injured if they bump into your contact trigger nail gun. You can prevent this by using a full sequential trigger. # How do Nail Gun Injuries Happen? There are seven major risk factors that can lead to a nail gun injury. Under- standing them will help you to prevent injuries on your jobsites. Unintended nail discharge from double fire. Occurs with CONTACT triggers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that contact trig- ger nailers are susceptible to double firing, especially when trying to accurately place the nailer against the work piece.5 They found that a second unintended firing can happen faster than the user is able to react and release the trigger. Unintended nails can cause injuries. Double fire can be a particular problem for new workers who may push hard on the too…

[8] OSHA Nail Gun Safety

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# Six Steps to Nail Gun Safety (cont.) ## 2 Provide training (cont.) that training is provided in a manner that employees can understand. Here is a list of topics for training: • How nail guns work and how triggers differ. • Main causes of injuries - especially differences among types of triggers. • Instructions provided in manufacturer tool manuals and where the manual is kept. • Hands-on training with the actual nailers to be used on the job. This gives each employee an opportunity to handle the nailer and to get feedback on topics such as: - How to load the nail gun - How to operate the air compressor - How to fire the nail gun - How to hold lumber during placement work - How to recognize and approach ricochet-prone work surfaces - How to handle awkward position work (e.g., toe-nailing and work on ladders) ## Worksite story - How best to handle special risks associated with contact and single actua- tion triggers such as nail gun recoil and double fires. For example, coach new employees on how to minimize double fires by allowing the nail gun to recoil rather than continuing to push against the gun after it fires. 7 • What to do when a nail gun malfunctions. • Training should also cover items covered in the following sections of the guidance, such as company nail gun work procedures, personal protective equipment, injury reporting, and first aid and medical treatment. ## 3 Establish nail gun work procedures Contractors should develop their own nail gun work rules and procedures to address risk factors and make the work as safe as possible. Examples of topics for contractor work procedures include but are not limited to the following: ## Do's... • Make sure that tool manuals for the nailers used on the job are always avail- able on the jobsite. • Make sure that manufacturers' tool labels and instructions are understood and followed. After his crews experienced many double fires and a related seri- ous nail gun injury, a New Jersey…

[9] Nail Gun Safety: A Guide for Construction Contractors

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# Six Steps to Nail Gun Safety (cont.) ## Provide training (cont.) that training is provided in a manner that employees can understand. Here is a list of topics for training: • How nail guns work and how triggers differ. • Main causes of injuries - especially differences among types of triggers. • Instructions provided in manufacturer tool manuals and where the manual is kept. - Hands-on training with the actual nailers to be used on the job. This gives each employee an opportunity to handle the nailer and to get feedback on topics such as: - How to load the nail gun - How to operate the air compressor - How to fire the nail gun - How to hold lumber during placement work - How to recognize and approach ricochet-prone work surfaces - How to handle awkward position work (e.g., toe-nailing and work on ladders) - How best to handle special risks associated with contact and single actua- tion triggers such as nail gun recoil and double fires. For example, coach new employees on how to minimize double fires by allowing the nail gun to recoil rather than continuing to push against the gun after it fires. . What to do when a nail gun malfunctions. After his crews experienced many double fires and a related seri- ous nail gun injury, a New Jersey contractor switched to using only sequential triggers. He believes he has eliminated the risk of double fire injuries and he estimates that the change has had only a slight impact on productivity—a few extra hours per house. • Training should also cover items covered in the following sections of the guidance, such as company nail gun work procedures, personal protective equipment, injury reporting, and first aid and medical treatment. ## 3 Establish nail gun work procedures 7 Contractors should develop their own nail gun work rules and procedures to address risk factors and make the work as safe as possible. Examples of topics for contractor work procedures include but are not limited to the followi…

[10] OSHA Nail Gun Safety

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# How do Nail Gun Injuries Happen? (cont.) ## Nail penetration through lumber work piece. (cont.) Nail ricochet after striking a hard surface or metal feature. Occurs with ALL trigger types. When a nail hits a hard surface, it has to change direction and it can bounce off the surface, becoming a projectile. Wood knots and metal framing hardware are common causes of ricochets. Problems have also been noted with ricochets when nailing into dense laminated beams. Ricochet nails can strike the worker or a co-worker to cause an injury. ## Missing the work piece. Occurs with ALL trigger types. Injuries may occur when the tip of the nail gun does not make full contact with the work piece and the discharged nail becomes airborne. This can occur when nailing near the edge of a work piece, such as a plate. Positioning the safety contact is more difficult in these situations and sometimes the fired nail com- pletely misses the lumber. Injuries have also occurred when a nail shot through plywood or oriented strand board sheeting missed a stud and became airborne. ## Awkward position nailing. Occurs with ALL trigger types. Unintended discharges are a concern in awkward position work with CONTACT and SINGLE ACTUATION triggers. Nailing in awkward positions where the tool and its recoil are more difficult to control may increase the risk of injury. These include toe-nailing, nailing above shoulder height, nailing in tight quarters, holding the nail gun with the non- dominant hand, nailing while on a ladder, or nailing when the user's body is in the line of fire (nailing towards yourself). Toe-nailing is awkward because the gun cannot be held flush against the work piece. Nailing from a ladder makes it difficult to position the nail gun accurately. Nailing beyond a comfortable reach distance from a ladder, elevated work platform, or leading edge also places the user at risk for a fall. ## Bypassing safety mechanisms. Occurs with ALL trigger types. Bypassing or disabling …

[11] OSHA Nail Gun Safety

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# How do Nail Gun Injuries Happen? (cont.) ## You should know Studies of residential carpenters found that the overall risk of nail gun injury is twice as high when using contact trigger nail guns compared to using sequential trigger nail guns.8 Note that the studies could not quantify injury risks associated with specific tasks; it is likely that some nailing tasks are more dangerous than others. About 1 in 10 nail gun injuries happen to co-workers. This is from either airborne (projectile) nails or bumping into a co-worker while carrying a contact trigger nail gun with the trigger squeezed. A voluntary ANSI standard 10 calls for all large pneumatic framing nailers manufactured after 2003 to be shipped with a sequential trigger. However, these may not always be FULL SEQUENTIAL triggers. Contractors may need to contact manufacturers or suppliers to purchase a FULL SEQUENTIAL trigger kit. ## Worksite story A carpenter apprentice on his first day ever using a nail gun injured his right leg. He was working on a step ladder and was in the process of lowering the nail gun to his side when the gun struck his leg and fired a nail into it. He had no training prior to using the nail gun. New worker training is important and should include hands-on skills. # Six Steps to Nail Gun Safety ## 1 Use the full sequential trigger The full sequential trigger is always the safest trigger mechanism for the job. It reduces the risk of unintentional nail discharge and double fires—including injuries from bumping into co-workers. • At a minimum, provide full sequential trigger nailers for placement work where the lumber needs to be held in place by hand. Examples include building walls and nailing blocking, fastening studs to plates and blocks to studs, and installing trusses. - Unintended nail discharge is more likely to lead to a hand or arm injury for placement work compared to flat work, where the lumber does not need to be held in place by hand. Examples of flat work inc…

[12] Straight Talk About Nail Gun Safety

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# NAIL GUN TRIGGER SAFETY (cont.) UN TY IST # LUMBER & BUILDING MATERIALS • Check lumber for knots, nails, straps, or other things that can cause a nail ricochet or deflection. • Only use a hammer, palm nailer or positive placement teco nailer for fastening metal straps or other connectors. • Use extra care with warped or twisted lumber. • Good planning of material storage and layout can save more job time than the choice of trigger. COMPRESSORS/ HOSES • Check your nail • Nail guns should gun, air hose, hose be lubricated on a Always wear eye protection, fittings, and regular basis. hard hat, safety shoes, and compressor to • Don't lift, lower, hearing protection as required make sure they or carry your nail by OSHA. work properly. Use gun by the air Never horseplay or fool around only tools and hose. equipment that with nail guns. work properly. • Disconnect the air Seek medical treatment imme- hose when diately if injured with a nail gun. •Make sure your air pressure is in clearing a nail jam or doing any Work only as fast as you can the recommended maintenance on safely control the nail gun. Resist pressure to work faster. to 120 psi. range, usually 80 the nail gun. -5-

[13] OSHA Nail Gun Safety

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# Six Steps to Nail Gun Safety (cont.) ## You should know Training is important: untrained workers are more likely to expe- rience a nail gun injury than a trained worker. 12 Training does not trump triggers: trained workers using contact trig- gers still have twice the overall risk of injury as trained workers using sequential triggers. • Set up operations so that workers are not in the line of fire from nail guns being operated by co-workers. • Check lumber surfaces before nailing. Look for knots, nails, straps, hangers, etc. that could cause recoil or ricochet. • Use a hammer or positive placement nailer when nailing metal joinery or irregular lumber. • For placement work, keep hands at least 12 inches away from the nailing point at all times. Consider using clamps to brace instead of your hands. • Always shoot nail guns away from your body and away from co-workers. - Always disconnect the compressed air when: - Leaving a nailer unattended; - Travelling up and down a ladder or stairs; - Passing the nail gun to a co-worker; - Clearing jammed nails; - Performing any other maintenance on the nail gun. • Recognize the dangers of awkward position work and provide extra time and precautions: - Use a hammer if you cannot reach the work while holding the nailer with your dominant hand. - Use a hammer or reposition for work at face or head height. Recoil is more difficult to control and could be dangerous. - Use a hammer or full sequential trigger nailer when working in a tight space. Recoil is more difficult to control and double fires could occur with contact triggers. - Take extra care with toe-nailing. Nail guns can slip before or during firing because the gun cannot be held flush against the work piece. Use a nail gun with teeth on the safety contact to bite into the work piece to keep the gun from slipping during the shot. Use the trigger to fire only after the safety contact piece is positioned. - Recognize the dangers of nail …

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