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Explosive power tool fastener kills worker

Alert

Explosive power tool fastener kills worker ( )

Document Type: Alert
Keycode: web only
Publication Date: 02 July 2007
Date First Published: 02 July 2007
Summary: This Alert follows from an incident in which a worker was killed when a fastener (nail), fired by him from a high-velocity Powder Actuated Tool (PAT)

This Alert follows from an incident in which a worker was killed when a fastener (nail), fired by him from a high-velocity Powder Actuated Tool (PAT), ricocheted and pierced his heart. It warns employers and users of PATs of the danger and the risks to operators and other persons when these tools are used and provides advice to control such risks.

Background

Powder Actuated Tools (PATs) are used to fasten construction materials to concrete, steel or brick and consist of the tool, a fastener and an explosive charge; they are commonly referred to as explosive power tools.

PATs look like and operate in a similarly fashion to a firearm and should be subjected to the same care and safety precautions. These tools use varying strength explosive charges; so that the operator can select the appropriate charge strong enough to drive the fastener. If the charge selected applies excessive force on the fastener it can cause it to ricochet or the work surface material to chip or splatter.

Current generation PAT models are low-velocity types and incorporate a captive piston that contains most of the excess energy within the tool, reducing the risk of serious injury.

The older type high-velocity PATs are becoming obsolete and some manufacturers no longer sell them new in Australia; however they are still readily available, particularly in the second-hand market. Care should be taken when purchasing a second-hand PAT and prior to use the tool should be thoroughly checked.

Both high-velocity and low-velocity type PATs can be safely operated when basic safety procedures, outlined below, are observed and the manufacturers’ operational guidelines are followed.

Recommendations

WorkSafe recommends the adoption of the following safety precautions:

• The manufacturer’s specifications and operating instructions for the model of PAT being used (as well as the fasteners and charges) should be read, understood and complied with
• The PAT should not be used unless the operator is trained in the tool’s safe use
• A Job Safety Analyse (JSA) should be developed for the task and followed
• Hearing and eye protection should be worn by the operator and others in the vicinity
• The PAT should be kept in a locked container when not in use
• Before using the tool, the operator should do a (daily) function check to ensure that it’s clean, operating correctly and the barrel is free from obstructions
• The PAT should not be loaded unless it is to be used immediately and never be left unattended
• The weakest compatible charge is used for the first (test) firing and the strength of charges are selected to do the work without applying excessive force to the fastener
• Unless specified in the tool’s operating manual, fasteners should be at least 75mm from an edge, corner, or predrilled hole of concrete or brickwork (For steel, at least 12mm from an edge or hole)
• Fasteners should not be driven into material through which they can pass or into very hard or brittle materials (e.g. high-tensile or hardened steel, cast iron, hard tile, terracotta, glazed brick, marble granite etc)
• If the PAT misfires, the operator should continue to hold the tool against the work surface for at least 10 seconds before trying to fire again. If the second attempt doesn’t fire, wait at least another 10 secondsso that the faulty charge is less likely to explode, and then carefully remove the charge and place it in water
• If the PAT jams in the firing position, it should be left alone and locked away where it can not harm anyone if it accidentally discharged (then contact the manufacturer for directions)
• PATs should not be used if flammable vapours or materials may be present

Legislative Requirements

Sections 21, 22 and 23 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act), which is the principal safety legislation stipulates duties of care of employers to ensure that no person is exposed any risk that can affect their health and safety. The OHS Act and the OHS (Plant) Regulations 1995 contain generic-type training requirements, which extend only to the obligation of an employer. 

The OHS Act and OHS Regulations are available from Information Victoria 1300 366 356 or online at www.bookshop.vic.gov.au.