Powder Actuating Tool Safety

1. Using a powder-actuated tool (PAT) is similar to using a firearm and should be handled as such. Potential exposures are struck by, punctures, lacerations, and even fatalities if used incorrectly.

2. The most important safety of equipment is proper training. Employees must go through safety training before they can operate PATs. Retraining is also important as bad habits can be learned over time.

3. In addition, only trained and authorized personnel should be able to check out these tools.

4. Before starting operations, alert employees in the work area that you will be utilizing PATs. Not only will this allow employees to be prepared for any potential struck-by injuries, but they can also put in their hearing protection to reduce the potential of noise injuries.

5. Keep your hands clear of the barrel when loading, and only load right before use. Never carry a loaded PAT and never leave it unattended.

6. The safety devices are an important feature of PATs. It's important to check the safety features before checking out a tool for use.

7. If a PAT misfires, hold the tool in the position for 30 seconds before firing again. If it misfires again, hold for an additional 30 seconds before moving the tool away from its position. Unload the cartridge and put in water.

8. Do not look down the barrel of a PAT to find solutions to misfirings or other issues. Instead, open the manufacturer's manual to find potential solutions to any issues. If solutions cannot be found, tag the tool "Out of Service''.

9. The material you are working with can also cause potential injuries. Easily penetrated materials like cardboard, particle board, or other flimsy materials, should never be driven by fasteners unless backed by another material that can handle the penetration. If the easily penetrated materials are not backed by something, the pin or fastener may pass completely through and create a projectile exposure on the other side.

10. Never drive fasteners into brittle materials like glazed tile, surface-hardened steel, cast iron, and live rock. These materials can cause ricochettes and other potentially harmful exposures.

11. Never pass a fastener through an existing hole unless there is a positive guide used to secure alignment.

12. Never use PATs in flammable or combustible environments as this could cause an explosion.

13. Never be unprepared for firing. Only press and hold the tool firmly against the surface and always keep your hands free from the barrel.

14. Proper PPE should always be worn, including eye protection and gloves. Face and respiratory protection are also recommended if there is the potential for flying projectiles or working in a dusty environment. If kneeling is required, knee-pads are a good idea.

15. In what environments will you be using PATs today? What other ways can you protect yourself from potential exposures while using PATs?

Additional Comments