Pneumatic nailers/staple guns

Hazards

There is always the danger of getting hit by one of the tool’s attachments or by some kind of fastener the worker is using with the tool.

Like other pneumatic tools, there is a hazard of flying concrete, wood chips, and/or nails.

Noise levels from some pneumatic tools can cause permanent hearing damage or complete loss of hearing.

Solutions

Pneumatic tools that shoot nails, rivets, staples, or similar fasteners, and operate at pressures more than 100 pounds per square inch (6,890 kPa), must be equipped with a special device to keep fasteners from being ejected, unless the muzzle is pressed against the work surface.

Pneumatic tools must be checked to see that they are fastened securely to the air hose to prevent them from becoming disconnected. A short wire or positive locking device attaching the air hose to the tool also must be used and will serve as an added safeguard.

If an air hose is more than 1/2 inch (12.7 millimeters) in diameter, a safety excess flow valve must be installed at the source of the air supply to reduce pressure in case of hose failure.

In general, the same precautions that are recommended for electric cords should be taken with air hoses, as the hoses are subject to the same kind of damage or accidental striking. An air hose also presents tripping hazards.

Compressed air guns should never be pointed toward anyone. Workers should never “dead-end” a pneumatic gun against themselves or anyone else. A chip guard must be used when compressed air is used for cleaning.

Eye protection is required, and head and face protection is recommended, for employees working with pneumatic tools.

Screens also must be set up to protect nearby workers from being struck by flying fragments around chippers, riveting guns, staplers, or air drills.

Hearing protection should be worn at all times.

References

29 CFR 1910.242

29 CFR 1910.243