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Write a safe work procedure for M18 FUEL™ FRAMING NAILERS

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M18 FUEL Framing Nailer Safe Work Procedure ===========================================

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 use of M18 FUEL framing nailers for framing and related wood-fastening tasks in construction and renovation work. It covers pre-operational inspection, trigger selection, fastener loading, safe firing practices, work positioning, battery isolation, jam clearing, routine maintenance, training, incident response, and compliance expectations aligned with OSHA construction guidance and manufacturer instructions. The procedure is intended for use by trained workers operating the tool in normal jobsite conditions, including ground-level work, ladder work, and elevated framing tasks where the tool is appropriate. It does not replace the manufacturer’s operating manual, site-specific risk assessment, or any higher-level control such as engineered fall protection, and it must not be used for tasks outside the tool’s design limits, on damaged tools, or where the work cannot be performed safely with the required trigger mode, access, or body positioning.

2\. Definitions

Sequential trigger A trigger system that requires the safety contact to be fully depressed against the workpiece before the trigger is pulled, and then released and reset before the next shot. It is the preferred trigger mode because it reduces unintended discharge and double-firing risk. Contact trigger A trigger system that can fire when the trigger is held and the safety contact is bumped against a surface. It is faster for some tasks but has a higher risk of misfire, double fire, and unintended discharge. Recoil The rapid rebound or kickback that occurs after a nail is fired. Recoil can affect accuracy, increase the chance of double firing, and contribute to loss of balance in awkward positions. Double fire An unintended second nail discharge that occurs when the tool re-contacts the workpiece after recoil or when the safety contact slips during positioning. Battery isolation The process of removing the battery pack from the nailer and preventing unintended energization before clearing jams, performing maintenance, passing the tool to another worker, or leaving it unattended.

3\. Responsibilities

3\.1 Supervisors

  • Ensure only trained and competent workers are authorized to use the M18 FUEL framing nailer and that training includes tool operation, trigger differences, loading, jam clearing, battery removal, and emergency response. Training should be delivered in a manner workers can understand and should include hands-on practice with the actual tool used on site.
  • Verify that the correct trigger configuration is selected for the task, with full sequential trigger use required or strongly preferred for placement work, ladder work, tight spaces, and other higher-risk applications. Restrict inexperienced workers to the safest trigger mode where practicable.
  • Confirm that manufacturer manuals, labels, and site procedures are available at the work area and that damaged, modified, or malfunctioning tools are removed from service immediately.
  • Ensure appropriate PPE is provided and worn, including eye protection, hearing protection, safety footwear, and other task-specific PPE required by the site risk assessment.
  • Plan the work to keep workers out of the line of fire, reduce awkward postures, minimize nailing at height, and provide suitable access equipment and material handling methods.
  • Ensure incidents, near misses, tool malfunctions, and injuries are reported promptly, investigated, and corrected before work resumes.

3\.2 Workers

  • Use the tool only if trained, fit for duty, and authorized for the task. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, site rules, and this procedure at all times.
  • Inspect the nailer, battery, fasteners, and work area before use. Do not use any tool that is damaged, altered, leaking, or operating abnormally.
  • Keep hands, body parts, and co-workers out of the line of fire. Maintain control of the tool with the dominant hand and keep the finger off the trigger until the nose is properly placed on the workpiece.
  • Remove the battery and make the tool safe before clearing jams, performing maintenance, moving up or down ladders or stairs, passing the tool to another person, or leaving it unattended.
  • Wear the required PPE correctly and report any missing, damaged, or unsuitable PPE to the supervisor before starting work.
  • Report misfires, double fires, near misses, injuries, and unsafe conditions immediately, and seek medical attention promptly for any nail gun injury, even if it appears minor.

3\.3 Health and Safety Representative

  • Monitor implementation of the procedure, verify that hazards are being controlled, and support corrective actions where unsafe practices or repeated near misses are identified.
  • Participate in incident reviews and trend analysis to identify recurring causes such as trigger misuse, inadequate training, poor housekeeping, or unsuitable work positioning.
  • Promote reporting of injuries and close calls and reinforce that reporting will not be discouraged by productivity incentives or informal pressure.

4\. Potential Hazards and Risks

HazardRiskControl Measures
Unintended discharge from contact trigger use or trigger being held while the tool is bumped [7] [10]Nail penetration injuries to hands, legs, feet, face, or bystanders; double firing; ricochet injuriesUse full sequential trigger mode whenever practicable, especially for placement work, ladder work, and tight spaces. Keep the finger off the trigger until the nose is fully seated on the workpiece. Do not carry or lower the tool with the trigger squeezed. Maintain awareness of co-workers and keep the tool pointed away from people at all times.
Recoil and double fire during firing or repositioning [6] [4]Second nail discharge, loss of control, impact injuries, and hand or face injuries in tight spacesAllow the tool to recoil naturally after each shot and do not continue pushing the nose into the workpiece after firing. Use sequential trigger mode, especially in awkward positions or confined spaces. Provide extra time and reposition the work rather than forcing the tool into an unstable stance.
Ricochet, blow-out, or nail deflection from knots, straps, hangers, metal joinery, or irregular lumber [8] [10]Projectile nail injuries, eye injuries, hand injuries, and unexpected tool movementInspect lumber and fastening surfaces before nailing. Avoid nailing into knots, straps, hangers, or irregular material where possible. Use a hammer, palm nailer, or positive placement nailer for metal joinery or unsuitable surfaces. Keep hands at least 12 inches from the nailing point and use clamps instead of hands for placement work where feasible.
Work at height, ladder use, or awkward body positioning [8] [9]Falls, loss of balance, accidental discharge, and impact injuriesUse scaffolds or other stable access equipment where possible. Maintain three points of contact on ladders and use clamps for placement work when needed. If ladder work is unavoidable, use full sequential trigger mode and position the ladder so overreaching is not required. Do not use the tool one-handed in a way that compromises balance or control.
Battery energization or unintended tool activation during jam clearing, maintenance, transport, or handoff [1] [8]Unexpected firing, pinch injuries, and injury to the person receiving the toolRemove the battery before clearing jams, performing maintenance, passing the tool to another worker, or leaving it unattended. Verify the tool is de-energized before any intervention. Store the battery separately during maintenance and do not rely on the trigger alone as a control.
Damaged, modified, or malfunctioning trigger/safety components [9] [5]Loss of safety function, unintended discharge, and severe injuryDo not use any tool with a broken, modified, taped, tied-down, or otherwise disabled trigger or safety contact. Remove defective tools from service immediately and tag them out for repair by an authorized person only. Never bypass safety devices or alter the tool operating controls.
Noise and repeated exposure to impulse noise [3] [12]Temporary or permanent hearing loss and communication errorsWear hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs whenever operating the nailer. Select hearing protection that fits correctly and is compatible with other PPE. Reduce exposure by planning work efficiently and limiting unnecessary firing.

5\. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal protective equipment is the last line of defense and must be worn in addition to safe work practices, trigger control, and work planning. PPE does not replace proper training, inspection, or the use of the safest trigger configuration for the task.

  • Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles marked ANSI Z87\.1 or Z87\+ with side protection. Eye protection is required because nails, fasteners, dust, wood chips, and ricochet fragments can be ejected during firing, loading, or jam clearing. [1]

[9]

  • Use wraparound or goggle-style protection where flying debris exposure is high.
  • Replace scratched, cracked, or loose-fitting eye protection immediately.
  • Hearing Protection: Wear earplugs or earmuffs suitable for impulse noise exposure. Framing nailers produce loud impulse noise that can contribute to hearing loss, so hearing protection must be worn whenever the tool is in use. [3]

[12]

  • Ensure hearing protection is inserted or fitted correctly before firing begins.
  • Use hearing protection that is compatible with hard hats and eye protection.
  • Safety Footwear: Wear steel-toe or safety-toe footwear with slip-resistant soles to reduce the severity of foot injuries from dropped tools, misfires, or nails that pass through material. Footwear must be kept in good condition and properly fastened. [1]

[9]

  • Use footwear appropriate for the site conditions, including wet or uneven surfaces.
  • Do not wear damaged footwear with exposed toe caps or worn soles.
  • Hard Hat: Wear a hard hat where overhead hazards exist or where required by site rules. Hard hats help reduce injury from falling objects, tool contact, and incidental impacts during framing work. [9]
  • Inspect the shell and suspension before each shift.
  • Replace hard hats that are cracked, UV-damaged, or impact-damaged.
  • Work Gloves: Wear close-fitting work gloves when handling lumber, fasteners, and tool components to reduce splinters and minor cuts. Gloves must not interfere with trigger control, grip, or the ability to feel the safety contact.
  • Select gloves that fit snugly and allow dexterity.
  • Remove gloves if they create a snagging or control hazard.
  • High-Visibility or Task-Appropriate Clothing: Wear clothing that allows the operator and nearby workers to be clearly seen and that does not create entanglement hazards. Avoid loose sleeves, dangling cords, or bulky garments that could interfere with trigger control or tool handling.
  • Secure loose clothing and tie back long hair.
  • Avoid jewelry that could catch on the tool or materials.

Inspect PPE before each use and replace any item that is damaged, contaminated, or no longer provides the required protection. Eye protection must remain clear and intact, hearing protection must seal properly, footwear must have sound soles and toe protection, and hard hats must have an undamaged shell and suspension. Store PPE in a clean, dry location away from heat, chemicals, and crushing damage.

6\. Equipment and Tools

Only equipment and accessories that are compatible with the M18 FUEL framing nailer and approved by the manufacturer should be used. Tools, batteries, chargers, fasteners, and accessories must be inspected before use and removed from service if damaged or malfunctioning.

  • M18 FUEL Framing Nailer: Use only the correct model configured for the task and fitted with the appropriate trigger system. Inspect the housing, nosepiece, safety contact, magazine, fastener feed, trigger, and any anti-dry-fire or depth-adjustment features before use. The tool must not be modified, altered, or used if any safety feature is inoperative. [5]

[4]

  • Verify the trigger type before starting work.
  • Check for cracks, missing parts, loose fasteners, or abnormal operation.
  • Remove from service if the tool misfires, double fires, or jams repeatedly.
  • Battery Pack: Use only approved battery packs in good condition. Inspect for cracks, swelling, damaged terminals, contamination, or signs of overheating. Remove the battery before jam clearing, maintenance, transport, or handoff to another worker.
  • Do not use damaged or dropped battery packs.
  • Keep spare batteries protected from metal objects and moisture.
  • Fasteners: Use only the correct size, type, and manufacturer-approved fasteners for the tool and application. Inspect fastener strips for damage, corrosion, deformation, or contamination that could cause feeding problems or misfires.
  • Do not mix incompatible fastener types.
  • Discard damaged or contaminated fastener strips.
  • Air or Power Support Equipment, if applicable: Where the tool setup includes compressors, hoses, or other support equipment, inspect all connections, fittings, and pressure settings before use. Ensure the system is within the manufacturer’s safe operating range and that hoses are secured against accidental disconnection. [3]

[3]

  • Do not exceed the manufacturer’s safe operating pressure.
  • Do not use hoses for hoisting or lowering tools.
  • Tool Manual and Jobsite Procedure Sheet: Keep the manufacturer’s manual and the site safe work procedure available at the point of use. Workers must understand the labels, operating instructions, maintenance requirements, and any model-specific limitations before starting work. [4]

[4]

  • Confirm the manual is accessible to all operators.
  • Review any task-specific hazards during the pre-job briefing.

Inspect the nailer, battery, fasteners, and any support equipment before each shift and after any impact, jam, misfire, or abnormal event. Check that the trigger, safety contact, magazine, and fastener feed operate smoothly and that no parts are loose, cracked, bent, or missing. Clean the tool according to the manufacturer’s instructions, keep it lubricated if required by the model, and remove it from service immediately if it is damaged or not functioning correctly.

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, firing, recoil control, jam clearing, battery isolation, work positioning, PPE, first aid, and reporting requirements. Hands-on training with the actual tool to be used on the job is required, and inexperienced workers should be closely supervised until they demonstrate safe control. [4] [13]

7\.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: Conduct a pre-job briefing before work starts and whenever conditions change. Review the task sequence, trigger mode, access method, material type, line-of-fire hazards, nearby workers, overhead hazards, battery isolation steps, jam-clearing method, emergency response, and reporting expectations. Confirm that all workers understand who is performing the task, who is spotting or controlling access, and what stop-work conditions apply.

7\.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: Prepare the work area so the operator has stable footing, adequate lighting, clear access, and enough space to control recoil. Remove trip hazards, secure materials, and position workers so no one is in the line of fire. Inspect lumber and fastening surfaces for knots, nails, straps, hangers, warped sections, or other conditions that could cause ricochet or deflection. Use clamps, staging, or alternative access methods where needed to avoid overreaching or unstable body positions.

8\. Safe Work Procedure Steps

  1. 1\. Confirm authorization, task suitability, and trigger mode: Verify that the operator is trained, the task is appropriate for the M18 FUEL framing nailer, and the correct trigger mode is installed or selected before work begins. Use full sequential trigger mode for placement work, ladder work, tight spaces, and any situation where unintended discharge would create elevated risk. Do not proceed if the tool configuration does not match the task or if the operator is unsure how the trigger functions. [7]

[13]

  • Stop and consult the supervisor if the trigger type is unclear.
  • Do not use contact trigger mode where a safer sequential mode is required by site rules or risk assessment.
  1. 2\. Inspect the tool, battery, fasteners, and work area: Before loading or firing, inspect the nailer for damage, missing parts, loose fasteners, abnormal wear, or signs of malfunction. Check the battery pack, fastener strip, and any support equipment for defects. Inspect the work surface for knots, metal connectors, straps, nails, or other conditions that could cause ricochet, deflection, or blow-out. Remove defective equipment from service immediately. [4]

[8]

  • Verify the safety contact moves freely and returns properly.
  • Confirm the magazine is clean and the fasteners are the correct type and size.
  1. 3\. Put on required PPE and establish a safe stance: Wear all required PPE before handling the tool. Stand in a balanced position with stable footing and keep the body out of the line of fire. Maintain control with the dominant hand and avoid awkward reaches, twisting, or overextension. If the work cannot be reached safely, reposition the work, use a stable platform, or use a hammer or alternative fastening method rather than forcing the nailer into an unsafe posture. [9]

[8]

  • Keep hands clear of the nailing point, especially during placement work.
  • Do not use the non-dominant hand to operate the nailer.
  1. 4\. Load the nailer and verify fastener compatibility: Load only the correct fasteners specified by the manufacturer and confirm that the strip is seated properly in the magazine. Do not force damaged, bent, or incompatible fasteners into the tool. After loading, perform a brief functional check in a safe direction and confirm that the tool is ready only when the operator is positioned to fire safely. [4]

[11]

  • Keep the tool pointed away from yourself and others during loading.
  • Never place a hand in front of the nose or near the firing path.
  1. 5\. Position the tool correctly before firing: Place the nose of the nailer firmly on the workpiece before pulling the trigger. Do not fire until the safety contact is fully engaged and the tool is aligned with the intended fastening point. For toe-nailing, take extra care to prevent slipping and use the tool only when the nose can be controlled securely. Never rest the tool against your body or point it at anyone, even when unloaded or disconnected. [1]

[11]

  • Allow space for recoil and do not fight the tool after firing.
  • Use clamps or a helper to stabilize material where appropriate.
  1. 6\. Fire one fastener at a time with controlled movement: Fire the nailer only when the nose is seated and the operator has a clear view of the fastening point. After each shot, allow the tool to recoil naturally and reset before moving to the next location. Do not bump-fire, do not hold the trigger down unless the tool is intentionally being fired in the approved mode, and do not continue pressing the tool into the workpiece after discharge. [6]

[4]

  • Keep co-workers clear of the line of fire.
  • Pause and reassess if the tool begins to double fire or behave unpredictably.
  1. 7\. Manage ladder, height, and awkward-position work safely: When working from ladders or at height, maintain three points of contact and avoid overreaching. Use scaffolds or other stable access equipment where possible. If the task requires nailing in a tight space, at face or head height, or while climbing, stop and reassess whether a hammer, repositioning, or a full sequential trigger nailer is the safer option. Do not carry the nailer with the trigger squeezed while moving between positions. [8]

[8]

  • Position ladders so the belt buckle remains between the side rails when reaching sideways.
  • Use clamps for placement work if needed to preserve balance.
  1. 8\. Isolate the battery before any non-firing task: Remove the battery pack before clearing jams, performing maintenance, passing the tool to another worker, traveling up or down ladders or stairs, or leaving the tool unattended. Verify that the tool cannot fire before placing hands near the nose, magazine, or internal components. Treat battery removal as a mandatory safety step, not an optional convenience. [1]

[8]

  • Store the removed battery in a secure location away from the work area.
  • Do not rely on the trigger lock alone as the only control.
  1. 9\. Clear jams safely: If a jam occurs, stop work immediately, remove the battery, and follow the manufacturer’s jam-clearing instructions. Keep hands clear of the firing path and never attempt to clear a jam with the battery installed or while the tool is pointed toward any person. If the jam cannot be cleared quickly and safely, tag the tool out of service and send it for repair. [1]

[5]

  • Use only the manufacturer-approved method for opening the nose or magazine.
  • Do not strike the tool or use improvised tools that could damage safety components.
  1. 10\. Complete the task, secure the tool, and store it properly: When the task is finished, remove the battery, clear any remaining fasteners if required by the manufacturer, inspect the tool for damage, and store it in a clean, dry, secure location. Do not leave the tool energized, unattended, or accessible to unauthorized persons. Report any abnormal operation, near miss, or damage before the tool is returned to service. [4]

[1]

  • Clean the tool according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Return batteries and chargers to the designated storage area.

9\. Precautions and Safety Measures

  • Use the safest trigger configuration available for the task, with full sequential trigger preferred for framing placement work and any operation involving ladders, tight spaces, or close worker proximity. - Do not substitute productivity concerns for safety. If the tool is not configured for sequential operation where required, stop and change the setup before work continues. [7]
  • Keep co-workers out of the line of fire and maintain clear communication in shared work areas. - Plan the sequence of work so no one passes through the firing zone while the tool is loaded or being used. [8]
  • Do not modify, disable, tape, tie down, or otherwise defeat any safety device or trigger component. - Any tool found with altered safety controls must be removed from service immediately and repaired only by an authorized person. [9]

[5]

  • Use clamps, staging, or repositioning to avoid holding material by hand in the line of fire whenever possible. - This is especially important for placement work, toe-nailing, and fastening near edges or knots where blow-through or deflection can occur. [8]

[10]

  • Provide immediate first aid and medical evaluation for any nail gun injury, even if the wound appears minor. - Do not remove embedded nails unless directed by medical professionals. Seek prompt treatment because hidden structural damage and infection risk may not be obvious at the scene. [3]

[2]

10\. Emergency Procedures

10\.1 General Emergency Response

Stop work immediately, make the area safe, remove the battery if it can be done without delaying care, and call for emergency assistance when there is severe bleeding, suspected fracture, eye injury, head injury, loss of consciousness, or any embedded fastener in a sensitive area. Provide first aid within the scope of training, control bleeding with direct pressure where appropriate, and arrange prompt transport to medical care. Do not allow the injured person to continue working after a nail gun injury.

10\.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

  • Nail gun injury with an embedded nail, puncture wound, or suspected deep tissue injury: Stop the task, isolate the tool, and seek immediate medical attention. Do not remove the nail unless directed by medical professionals. Protect the injury from further movement and contamination, and arrange transport to urgent care or emergency services as appropriate. [3]

[2]

  • Suspected fracture, severe pain, or delayed symptoms after a nail gun injury: Treat the event as a serious injury even if the initial wound appears minor. Stop work, immobilize the affected area as trained, and obtain emergency medical evaluation promptly because hidden structural damage may be present. [2]

[2]

  • Eye injury or suspected projectile strike from ricochet or blow-out: Stop work immediately, do not rub the eye, and arrange urgent medical evaluation. Preserve the scene for investigation and remove the tool from service until the cause is identified and corrected. [10]
  • Tool malfunction, repeated misfires, or double firing: Cease use at once, remove the battery, tag the tool out of service, and notify supervision. Do not attempt to continue using the tool until it has been inspected and repaired by an authorized person. [4]

[5]

10\.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency contact information, site first aid resources, and the nearest medical facility details must be posted or otherwise made available by the employer at the worksite before work begins. [3]

11\. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all injuries, near misses, misfires, double fires, ricochets, tool defects, and unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately and before the tool is returned to service. Reporting must be encouraged and must not be discouraged by productivity pressure or incentive programs. Preserve the tool and the work area when practical so the event can be reviewed accurately.

Investigate each incident or near miss to determine the immediate cause, contributing factors, and corrective actions. Review trigger selection, tool condition, work positioning, material condition, training adequacy, PPE use, and whether the task was planned appropriately. Document findings, implement corrective actions, communicate lessons learned to the crew, and verify that the corrective actions are effective before resuming similar work.

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 10

Open source document

Source excerpt

# 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…

[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 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 …

[4] 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…

[5] 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…

[6] 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…

[7] Straight Talk About Nail Gun Safety

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# NAIL GUN TRIGGER SAFETY • Removing the safety tip spring or disabling any safety device increases the risk of injury. OSHA prohibits doing these things. • Use the "single shot" trigger (also called full sequential trigger) when possible. • Ask your employer for nail gun safety training if you are a new user. OSHA requires this training. Ask how the different triggers and safety devices work. • Know what type of trigger you are using before you start working. NAILC AFE CHECK SAFETY FIRST NAIL GUN USE • Hold and carry the nail gun with your finger OFF the trigger. • Keep co-workers out of your line of fire. • Clear a nail jam after you disconnect the hose. • Shoot the bottom nail first when fastening a stud to a plate. - Know where the studs or joists are when shooting plywood or OSB. • Keep your free hand, not holding the gun, as far from the nailing location as possible (12 inches or more is best). • Use extra care when toe nailing, nailing in tight spaces, from a ladder, or with the gun above your head. • Allow space for nail gun recoil ("kickback") and don't try to stop or fight this recoil. • Use your dominant hand to operate a nail gun. -4-

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

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# References and Endnotes 168% of these emergency room visits involved workers and 32% involved consumers. From: Lipscomb H, Jackson L [2007]. Nail-Gun Injuries treated in Emergency Departments-United States, 2001-2005. MMWR 56(14):329-332. 2Dement J, Lipscomb H, Leiming L, Epling C, Desai, T [2003]. Nail Gun Injuries among Construction Workers. Appl Occup Environ Hyg 18(5):374-383. ³ Lipscomb H, Dement J, Nolan J, Patterson D. [2006]. Nail Gun Injuries in Apprentice Carpenters: Risk Factors and Control Measures. Am J Ind Med 49:505-513. *Lipscomb H, Nolan J, Patterson D, Dement D [2010]. Surveillance of Nail Gun Injuries by Journeyman Carpenters provides important Insight into Experiences of Apprentices. New Solutions 20(1) 95-114. Also, Baggs J, Cohen M, Kalat J, Silverstein, B [2001]. Pneumatic Nailer Injuries-A Report on Washington State 1990-1998. Prof Saf Mag January: 3V-38. 5Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), [2002]. Evaluation of Pneumatic Nailers. Memo from Carolene Paul to Jacqueline Elder. May 23, 2002. See http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia02/os/nailers.pdf. "Dement J, Lipscomb H, Leiming L, Epling C, Desai, T [2003]. Nail Gun Injuries among Construction Workers. Appl Occup Environ Hyg 18(5):374-383. 'American National Standard Institute (ANSI) [2002]. Safety Requirements for Portable, Compressed-Air-Actuated Fastener Driving Tools. ANSI SNT-101-2002 Sections 4.4: Tools shall not be modified or altered; [redacted address]: Improperly functioning tools must not be used; [redacted address].1: Do not remove, tamper with, or otherwise cause the tool operating controls to become inoperable. 8 Lipscomb H, Nolan J, Patterson D, Dement D [2010]. Surveillance of Nail Gun Injuries by Journeyman Carpenters provides important Insight into Experiences of Apprentices. New Solutions 20(1) 95-114. Also Lipscomb H, Nolan J, Patterson D, Dement J [2008]. Prevention of Traumatic Nail Gun Injuries in Apprentice Carpenters: Use of Population-Based Measure…

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

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# Illustrated terms (cont.) ## You should know # Six Steps to Nail Gun Safety 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. ## 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 include roofing, sh…

[10] 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…

[11] OSHA Nail Gun Safety

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# Six Steps to Nail Gun Safety (cont.) ## A Word about Other Hazards (cont.) and ensure that they are worn correctly. Employers should also ask about noise levels when buying nail guns-studies have identified ways to reduce nail gun noise and some manufacturers may incorporate noise reduction features. Note: OSHA's standard for exposure to continuous noise levels (29 CFR 1926.52) addresses both the noise level and the duration of exposure. In this standard, workers exposed for 15 minutes at 115 A- weighted decibels (dBA) have the same exposure as workers exposed for 8 hours at 90 dBA. The NIOSH and OSHA limit for impulse noise is 140 decibels: above this level a single exposure can cause instant damage to the ear. NIOSH recommends that an 8-hour exposure should not exceed 85 dBA and a one-second exposure should not exceed 130 dBA without using hearing protection. Musculoskeletal disorders. Framing nail guns can weigh up to 8 pounds and many framing jobs require workers to hold and use these guns for long periods of time in awkward hand/arm postures. Holding an 8-pound weight for long periods of time can lead to musculoskeletal symptoms such as soreness or ten- derness in the fingers, wrist, or forearm tendons or muscles. These symptoms can progress to pain, or in the most severe cases, inability to work. No studies have shown that one trigger type is any more or less likely to cause musculo- skeletal problems from long periods of nail gun use. If use of a nail gun is caus- ing musculoskeletal pain or symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders, medical care should be sought. ## Conclusion Nail gun injuries are painful. Some cause severe injuries or death. Nail gun injuries have been on the rise along with the increased popularity of these pow- erful tools. These injuries can be prevented, and more and more contractors are making changes to improve nail gun safety. Take a look at your practices and use this guide to improve safety on your job sites. Working togethe…

[12] OSHA Nail Gun Safety

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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 of er "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 subf oor. 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. 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 …

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

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# 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…

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