GENERAL SAFETY RULES FOR powder-actuated hand tools:
- Powder-actuated tools should not be used in areas where flammable or combustible atmospheres may be present. The combination could cause an explosion.
- When operating a powder-actuated tool, press the tool firmly against the surface into which the fastening device is being driven, so the fastener will not glance off the surface.
Is it safe to use powder actuated tools?
Handling Powder Actuated Tools (PATs) Safely. A powder-actuated tool (PAT) is a tool that gets its power from an explosive charge. The tool uses the expanding gas from the explosion to drive a fastener into materials such as masonry, concrete, steel, and other hard surfaces.
What are the safety precautions when using a powder gun?
NEVER attempt to bypass or circumvent any of the safety features on a powder- or a gas-actuated tool. ALWAYS keep the tool pointed in a safe direction. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger. ALWAYS keep the tool unloaded until ready to use. ALWAYS stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating.
What are the safety requirements for powder actuated fastening tools?
Powder actuated fastening tools shall be tested each day before loading to ensure that the safety devices are in proper working condition. Any tool found not to be in proper working order shall be immediately removed from service until repairs are made. Powder actuated fastening tools shall not be used in an explosive or flammable atmosphere.
Can powder actuated fastening tools be used in a flammable atmosphere?
Powder actuated fastening tools shall not be used in an explosive or flammable atmosphere. All tools shall be used with the type of shield or muzzle guard appropriate for a particular use.
What is not a safe practice when using a powder-actuated tool?
Which of the following is not a safe practice when using a powder-actuated tool? Loading the tool before the item is ready to be fastened. Why is it unacceptable to use a powder-actuated tool to fasten a plywood sheet to a wall stud? The fastener can easily pass through both materials, causing an injury.
What are the safety rules for using a powder-actuated tool?
How should you use a powder-actuated tool safely? Use the tool at right angles to the work surface. Check the chamber to see that the barrel is clean and free from any obstruction, before using the tool. Do not use the tool where flammable or explosive vapours, dust or similar substances are present.
What precautions should be undertaken before using a powder-actuated tool?
Before use, the operator must inspect to verify that the tool is clean, all moving parts operate freely, the barrel is free from obstructions, and correct shields, guards, or safety attachments recommended by the manufacturer are in place. NEVER point a powder-actuated tool at anyone, whether it is loaded or unloaded!
Which action should one take when using powder-actuated tools to apply fasteners?
A powder-actuated tool must be held firmly against and perpendicular to the surface into which it's driving the fastener. Securely brace yourself when using PATs on ladders or scaffolds to maintain good balance. Only shoot into a surface you're certain will safely contain the fastener; never shoot into a blind surface.
What is the OSHA requirement for operators of powder-actuated tools?
Section 1926.302(e)(1)1 requires: Only employees who have been trained in the operation of the particular tool in use shall be allowed to operate a powder-actuated tool. This provision does not specify particular qualifications for the person conducting such training.
Which of the following is considered a hazard associated with powder-actuated tool?
Fire hazards from using the tool when flammable or explosive dust or fumes are present.
What is the most serious hazard when working with electric tools?
Electric Tools Among the most serious hazards are electrical b urns and shocks. Electrical shocks, which can lead to injuries such as heart f ailure and burns, are among the major hazards associated with electric- powered tools.
What is a powder driven fastener?
Powder-actuated tools, also called direct fasteners and explosive actuated fastening tools, use a small, controlled explosion to drive a nail, stud, or other specialized fastener into a solid base material such as steel, concrete, or masonry.
How should you fire a powder-actuated tool to make sure it doesn't fire accidentally?
Keeping the tool against the surface for 30 seconds can allow enough powder to burn to prevent an accidental discharge.
Who can operate a powder actuated tool?
Only trained, competent, and authorized persons are permitted to operate a powder-actuated tool (also known as explosive-actuated tools). The training should be in accordance with the specific tool manufacturer’s criteria. A card verifying training should be issued to the authorized person after training is completed.
How long to wait to fire a powder actuated gun?
Be especially careful that you don’t use a powder-actuated tool in flammable, combustible or explosive environments. If a PAT misfires, wait at least 30 seconds, and then try firing it again. If it still doesn’t fire, wait another 30 seconds so that the faulty cartridge is less likely to go off.
What is powder actuated gun?
A powder-actuated tool operates like a loaded gun so it should be handled with the same respect and safety precautions. When a job calls for a PAT, be sure to choose the correct cartridge for the fastener being used then load the tool just before you intend to use it, keeping your hands clear of the open barrel end.
How far away from a corner should a fastener be?
When driving fasteners into materials like brick or concrete, stay at least 3 inches away from an edge or corner. With steel, the fastener must not come any closer than one-half inch from a corner or edge. Keep bystanders away from the work area. Shields for protecting workers against a possible ricochet may be necessary in the working area.
What is a PAT tool?
A powder-actuated tool (PAT) is a tool that gets its power from an explosive charge. The tool uses the expanding gas from the explosion to drive a fastener into materials such as masonry, concrete, steel, and other hard surfaces. Only trained, competent, and authorized persons are permitted to operate a powder-actuated tool (also known as explosive-actuated tools). The training should be in accordance with the specific tool manufacturer’s criteria. A card verifying training should be issued to the authorized person after training is completed. Unauthorized or improper use of a powder-actuated tool could result in a serious injury or a death.
What to wear when using a pat?
When using a PAT, be sure to wear the appropriate personal protection equipment including safety glasses or a face shield and hearing protection .
Can you drive a fastener into a spalled area?
And don’t drive fasteners into a spalled area or where a previous fastening was unsuccessful.
How to prevent ricocheting fasteners?
ALWAYS hold the tool perpendicular (90°) to the fastening surface to prevent ricocheting fasteners. Use the spall guard whenever possible. NEVER attempt to fasten into soft, thin, brittle or very hard materials such as drywall, light gauge steel, glass, tile or cast iron as these materials are inappropriate.
What to do when operating a car?
ALWAYS stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when operating. Do not use while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating may result in serious personal injury.
Can you transport fasteners in the same container?
NEVER transport fasteners or other hard objects in the same pocket or container with powder loads or fuel cells. These objects may strike the energy source, or puncture the fuel cell, thereby igniting and causing serious injury or death. NEVER attempt to bypass or circumvent any of the safety features on a powder- or a gas-actuated tool.
Can you put your body over the muzzle of a tool?
NEVER place any part of your body over the front muzzle of the tool even if no fastener is present. The fastener, pin or tool piston can cause serious injury or death in the event of an accidental discharge.
Can you bypass a gas actuated tool?
NEVER attempt to bypass or circumvent any of the safety features on a powder- or a gas-actuated tool.
Can you fasten a pin to a wood surface?
NEVER attempt to fasten into soft material like wood or drywall (fastening through soft materials into an appropriate base material may be allowed if the application is appropriate). NEVER attempt to fasten to a spalled, cracked or uneven surface. Re-driving of pins is not recommended.
How to tell if a concrete fastener is hard?
Conduct a center punch test on poured concrete walls and slabs before you shoot power fasteners. Firmly strike a drive pin several times. If the fastener point penetrates the concrete easily, the material is too soft. If the concrete shatters or cracks, it’s too brittle. If the fastener point is blunted or bent, the concrete is too hard. When the concrete shows a well-defined impression of the fastener tip, it’s the proper hardness. Go ahead and shoot some test fasteners.
What caliber is used to drive a fastener into a block wall?
The .22 caliber power loads drive the fastener into the block wall.
What is a PAT tool?
Powder actuated tools (PAT) are a powerful way to attach wood to concrete and concrete block. Here's how to use one effectively and safely. Powder actuated tools are the quickest, most efficient way to fire fasteners into concrete slabs and block walls. We'll show you how to use these powerful tools safely for your next framing project.
How deep should drive pins penetrate?
Know the rules for fastening into concrete. The drive pins should penetrate 1 in. to 1-1/4 in. into the concrete, but never protrude through it. Drive pins displace the concrete, which tries to return to its original form, resulting in a compression bond.
What is a stud driver?
Also called stud drivers, stud guns and rem guns, these are heavy-duty tools that fire gunpowder cartridges. This “power load” pushes a piston inside the tool that slams a special heat-treated and hardened steel nail (a “drive pin”) through wood and into concrete.
How to improve holding power for permanent installations?
Improve the holding power for permanent installations by using construction adhesives on sill plates and wall framing.
How to get piston back into muzzle?
Use either a rubber mallet or a block of wood to tap the piston back into the muzzle. Inspect the barrel assembly, and open the tool’s chamber to confirm that both the piston and barrel are working smoothly. If the gun is damaged, have it repaired at a service center.
What is a fastener shot down barrel as a projectile?
Fastener shot down barrel as a projectile, penetrates work surface.
What is piston in contact with?
Piston in contact with fastener, fastener in contact with work space.
Do you always check the color of each power load?
You must always check the color of each power load.