This document provides guidance for conducting a safety talk about powder actuated fastening tools. The talk should review OSHA regulations and manufacturer instructions, discuss the serious injuries that can occur if not used properly, and demonstrate safe operation if a certified operator is available. Key safety precautions include proper training, intended use, guards, correct loads, unattended tools, surface conditions, minimum distances, PPE, and warning others. Crews should never horseplay with the tools or try to repair jammed tools containing a live load.

1. Construction Safety Talks
Powder Some Things To Know Before You Give Your Talk.
Actuated If your crew is not using powder actuated fastening tools on this
Fastening job, determine which trades, where, and when they will be used so
Tools that the talk can be given on a timely basis.
No. 34 Arrange for a tool to be brought to the meeting, but only plan a
"live" demonstration if a trained and certified operator is available
and the safety of your crew will not be endangered.
Review OSHA (1926.302.e) regulations and the manufacturer's
How This Talk
Applies To My
instructions provided with the tool.
Crew:
Talk to your crew about how they can avoid serious injury or death
by taking the following precautions:
• Read the instruction manual and get proper training and
certification from a qualified instructor (normally a
manufacturer's representative.)
• Use the tool only for its intended purposes.
• Always operate the tool with a shield or guard in place.
• Always use the correct "load" for the job being done. If in
doubt test using a small load, working up one level at a
time.
• Never leaving loaded tools unattended.
• Never fasten into spalled or uneven surfaces.
• Always fasten 3" away from the edge of concrete and 1/2"
away from the edge of steel.
• Always wear safety goggles and hearing protection.
• Always put out warning signs and tell others working in the
area.
Remind The Crew Never To:
• Engage in horseplay with a powder actuated tool.
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2. • Try to repair a jammed, stuck, or broken tool containing a live load. Should this
happen, follow manufacturer's instructions.
• Allow an untrained or uncertified person to operate a tool.
Review some of the serious accidents that have happened with these tools:
• An office engineer was killed when tool was tested against drywall office partition.
• Loss of sight when tool was operated without eye protection and spalled concrete
flew into eye.
• Nearby worker lost sight of right eye when fastener ricocheted.
Try This For Show And Tell!
Have a qualified operator review color codes of various "loads", types of fasteners, and
- if it can be safely done - give a demonstration which includes all the safety
precautions.
Make sure all workers who will operate a powder actuated fastening tool have
certification in its proper use.
Attended By:
The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at
the time of publication. No attempt has been made to interpret any referenced codes, standards or regulations. Please refer to the
appropriate code, standard or regulation making authority for interpretation or clarification.
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