Safe Handling of Pneumatic-Driven Nail Guns and Staplers
Pneumatic (air powered) nail guns and staplers use compressed air to fire nails, brads, and staples into surfaces for construction and manufacturing. Pneumatic staplers and nailers (except light-duty) require safety devices that prevent them from activating unless in contact with the work surface (light-duty staplers and nailers use fasteners one inch or less and with a wire gauge less than 18 ASWG). While efficient, nail guns can cause serious injury and death if not used properly.
Get training and hands-on experience from a qualified trainer before you use a nail gun. Get refresher training if you have an accident or use the tool improperly. Follow your worksite safety plan for pneumatic nailers. Study and follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions. Inspect the tool and hoses before each use. Wear safety glasses with side shields and hearing protection. Consider a face shield, work gloves, hard hat, and steel toed boots if the job task and/or site require added protection.
Place warning signs and restrict access to the worksite when a nail gun is in use. Treat the nail gun like it is a firearm. KNOW where you are going to nail before you pull the trigger! Never assume the tool is empty or unhooked from the air hose. Never point the tool at yourself or a coworker. Don’t bypass or disable safety guards. Never horseplay with a nail gun. Do not shoot nails at targets or people.
Only compressed air should be used to power a nail gun. Bottled gases can cause damage, fire, and explosion. Follow the manufacturer's recommended air pressure. If the air hose exceeds 1/2 inch inside diameter, use a pressure regulator at the compressor in case of hose failure. Use a safety disconnect valve that will prevent your nailer from accidentally disconnecting from the hose. Use a fitting that will bleed the pressure when the tool is disconnected from the hose. Manage the air hose to avoid a tripping hazard. If you are working at heights, or on a roof sloped steeper than 7:12, secure the hose so there is enough room to maneuver, but not so much that the weight of the hose might pull the gun off.
To prevent misfires, never pull, lift, or swing the nail gun by the hose. Disconnect the air hose (and it is safest to empty the gun) before repairing, clearing a jam, or maintaining the gun. It is safest to disconnect the gun from the air hose before leaving it unattended. When you change work areas, transport an empty, disconnected gun to be safe.
Beware of ricochet and bounce-fire incidents, the two most common causes of nail gun injury (Cal/OSHA). Know the difference between contact and sequential tip triggers. Contact tips cause the gun to fire when it makes surface contact, which could be dangerous if it “bounces” against the surface or a body part. Use contact tips only with stabilizing jigs.
Sequential tip triggers require contact with the nailing surface and then pulling the trigger to activate. Ricochet accidents occur if you nail into another nail, the surface is too hard, or the tool is at a great angle. Work with a nail gun only from a sturdy and stable surface. Do not press your finger on the trigger unless you're ready to fire, especially when climbing ladders. If you are accidentally injured, do not remove the fastener unless instructed to do so by a doctor.
The above evaluations and/or recommendations are for general guidance only and should not be relied
upon for legal compliance purposes. They are based solely on the information provided to us and relate
only to those conditions specifically discussed. We do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, that your workplace is safe or healthful or that it complies with all laws, regulations or standards.
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