Codes of Safe Practices

POWDER-ACTUATED TOOLS

1. Only qualified employees who carry a valid operator's card are permitted to operate powder-actuated tools.

2. Wear eye or face protection when operating or assisting in the use of the tool.

3. Prior to use, inspect the tool to determine that it is in proper working condition.

4. Make sure any tool found not to be in working condition is immediately removed from service, tagged "Defective" and not used until it has been repaired.

5. Use only fasteners and power loads recommended by the tool manufacturer for a particular tool.

6. Do not load tools until just prior to firing. If the work is interrupted after loading, unload the tool immediately.

7. Never point a loaded or unloaded tool at any person.

8. Always keep hands and feet clear of the open barrel end.

9. Hold the tool perpendicular to the work surface when fastening into any material, except for specific applications recommended by the tool manufacturer.

10. In the event of a misfire, hold the tool firmly against the work surface for a period of 30 seconds and then follow the instructions set forth in the manufacturer's instructions.

11. Store all powder-actuated tools in a lockable container labeled "Powder-Actuated Tool".

12. Never leave a loaded tool unattended. Never use it in an explosive or flammable atmosphere.

13. Never drive fasteners into very hard or brittle materials including, but not limited to, cast iron, glazed tile, hardened steel, glass block, natural rock, hollow tile or most brick.

14. Never drive fasteners into easily penetrated or thin materials or materials of questionable resistance unless backed by a material that will prevent the fastener from passing through the other side.

15. Never drive fasteners closer than 1/2-inch (13 mm) from the edge of steel except for specific applications recommended by the tool manufacturer.

16. Never drive fasteners closer than 3-inches (76 mm) from the unsupported edge of masonry materials except for specific applications recommended by the tool manufacturer.

17. Never drive fasteners into concrete unless material thickness is at least three times the fastener shank penetration.

18. Never drive fasteners into any spalled (brittle) area.