Osha 10 Hour Construction Hand and Portable Power Tools

Powder Actuated Tools
Powder actuated tools operate like a loaded gun and should be 
treated with the same respect and precautions. In fact, they are so 
Hand and Portable Power Tools 
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OSHA 10 Hour Construction 
dangerous that only specially trained employees must operate 
them. 
Safety precautions to remember include the following 
•
These tools should not be used in an explosive or flammable 
atmosphere. 
•
Before using the tool, the worker should inspect it to determine 
that it is clean, that all moving parts operate freely, and that the 
barrel is free from obstructions. 
•
The tool should never be pointed at anyone. 
•
The tool should not be loaded unless it is to be used 
immediately. A loaded tool should not be left unattended, 
especially where it would be available to unauthorized persons.
•
Hands should be kept clear of the barrel end. To prevent the 
tool from firing accidentally, two separate motions are required 
for firing: one to bring the tool into position, and another to pull 
the trigger. The tools must not be able to operate until they are 
pressed against the work surface with a force of at least 5 
pounds greater than the total weight of the tool.
If a powder-actuated tool misfires, the employee should wait at 
least 30 seconds, then try firing it again. If it still will not fire, the 
user should wait another 30 seconds so that the faulty cartridge is 
less likely to explode, than carefully remove the load. The bad 
cartridge should be put in water.
Suitable eye and face protection are essential when using a 
powder-actuated tool.
The muzzle end of the tool must have a protective shield or guard 
centered perpendicularly on the barrel to confine any flying 
fragments or particles that 
 
might otherwise create a hazard when 
the tool is fired. The tool must be designed so that it will not fire 
unless it has this kind of safety device.
All powder-actuated tools must be designed for varying powder 
charges so that the user can select a powder level necessary to do 
the work without excessive force.
If the tool develops a defect during use it should be tagged and 
taken out of service immediately until it is properly repaired.
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OSHA 10 Hour Construction 
Fasteners
When using powder-actuated tools to apply fasteners, there are 
some precautions to consider. Fasteners must not be fired into 
material that would let them pass through to the other side. The 
fastener must not be driven into materials like brick or concrete any 
closer than 3 inches to an edge or comer.
In steel, the fastener must not come any closer than one-half inch 
from a comer or edge. Fasteners must not be driven into very hard 
or brittle materials which might chip or splatter, or make the 
fastener ricochet.
An alignment guide must be used when shooting a fastener into an 
existing hole. A fastener must not be driven into a spalled area 
caused by an unsatisfactory fastening.