Toolbox Talk: Pneumatic Nail Gun Safety

According to the American National Standards Institute, a manual trigger and a contact element in the nose of the nail gun are two key components to prevent unintentional firing. The sequential trip trigger is the safest type of trigger. It requires the nose of the gun to be placed firmly on the work before the manual trigger is pulled and the nail discharged.

The word “gun” is realistic. This tool should be treated as you would any gun. If the safety trigger is malfunctioning or overridden, the gun will fire a nail across the site and can cause significant damage to bystanders.

Points to Remember:
• Review all precautions and warnings before using a nail gun.

• Keep co-workers and bystanders away from the work area.

• Always wear hard hats and safety glasses, as well as hearing protection, as needed.

• Never point the tool at anyone, even if it is empty or disconnected from the air supply.

• Keep hands and fingers out of the line of fire and aim the gun away from your body.

• Make sure the tool is placed firmly against the workpiece.

• Never carry the tool with your finger on the trigger.

• Always assume that the tool is loaded.

• Always disconnect the tool before clearing jams or performing maintenance.

• Do not lower the nail gun by the air hose.

• Do not use the tool if it is malfunctioning. Take it out of service.

• If you must use the nail gun in an awkward position, it may be safer to use a hammer to nail the piece in.

• Beware of ricochet hazards.

• For gas-operated guns, make sure to clean them regularly.

• Ensure all period maintenance is performed on all nail guns.

• If you are going to bounce nail, ensure you keep control of the tool and operate it at a safe speed.