What makes this tool so dangerous?
A pneumatic nail gun can drive a nail through almost anything, and shoot that nail a couple hundred metres in a fraction of a second. Never point it at anyone. Never press the trigger unless you’re in position and ready to use the gun. Never keep your finger on the trigger when you’re carrying it. And when you’re reloading it, make sure the air supply is disconnected.
Most injuries occur in construction — about two-thirds of them in framing and sheathing work. Roofing, exterior siding, and finishing are also high on the hazard list.
Q. What are the hazards we should be most concerned about when using nail guns?
A. The biggest danger is an unintended discharge or misfire. When you use the bump or rapid-fire-trigger setting, the risk of injury is twice as high as when you’re using a single-shot, sequential trigger. The work task you’re involved in when you’re using the nail gun can also increase the risk. If you’re in an awkward position, such as a tight space, the gun’s recoil can hurt you. If you’re on a ladder, co-workers below could get hit by accidental discharge. If you need to hold timber in place for nailing, you could shoot yourself in the hand.
Q) What are the most common injuries associated with these tool?
A) Hand and finger wounds make up more than half of the reported injuries, but your whole body is vulnerable. The damage can be serious: bone fractures, paralysis, blindness, even brain damage.
Q) How can we make it safer for our workers to use pneumatic nail guns?
A) Training is the best thing you can do. A supervisor or experienced nail gun user should teach your workers the safest ways of using, carrying, storing, cleaning, reloading, and transporting nail guns. Manufacturers have good safety information in their user manuals; have your workers read them.
Develop written procedures around the safe handling of your guns. Effective supervision also makes a difference; you should regularly check to see that your workers and supervisors are following procedures.
For more information on nail gun safety refer to the manufacturer’s instruction manual.
If you require further information, please contact us.
