Nail Guns

Nail Guns

Nail guns are used a lot on site for shop fitting, timber frame erection, etc. The use of nail guns has increased dramatically over the last few years and nail gun incidents now feature in high numbers in HSE’s woodworking accident statistics.

Nail Guns

There are three main types of nail gun. For factory use the type operated by compressed air is most common.

Nail Guns

For site use the type using butane gas is widely used. The butane is mixed with air in a combustion chamber and ignited by an electric spark when the trigger is pulled.

Nail Guns

The third type are light weight and much less powerful and use an electric motor and spring to drive the piston - some of these are battery operated.

Nail Guns

Nail guns for timber have built in safety features and before the gun can be fired by pulling the trigger the nose guard must be retracted a sufficient distance to activate the firing mechanism.

Nail Guns

This is designed to occur when the gun is pressed against the timber.

Nail Guns

However analysis of nail gun incidents investigated by HSE has found that these safety features can be defeated, either accidentally or sometimes intentionally. All incidents investigated were found to come within the following 5 categories and all of these possible scenarios should be considered when controlling the risks from nail guns.

Nail Guns

Category 1:Operator’s position and gun angle – placing themselves in line of fire and shooting own torso.

Nail Guns

Category 2:Operator accidently shooting themselves during nail gun maintenance without disconnecting airline (or removing battery, gas canister) and nails first.

Nail Guns

Category 3:Operator carrying the gun with a finger on the trigger, then making accidental contact with someone’s head, or own leg, etc.

Nail Guns

Category 4:Operators hand positioned too close to workpiece and shooting own hand, sometimes through the workpiece.

Nail Guns

Category 5:Deliberate act of stupidity by the operator, shooting another worker

Nail Guns

Repeat firing features are not suitable on nail guns that fire large nails for construction use - ie a second nail should not be fired unless the trigger has been fully released and then pulled again. Repeat cycling with the trigger depressed may be suitable for installing multiple short nails or small staples through thin sheet materials or for upholstery fixing.

Nail Guns

Nail guns should not be modified - other than fitting manufacturer approved parts or accessories. Safety features must not be defeated or disconnected.

Nail Guns

When using a nail gun there is always the risk that a nail may be deflected or that splinters could be ejected towards the operator or those nearby or that exhaust gas could propel dust into the operator’s face.

Nail Guns

Eye protection should be used to reduce the risk of these injuries. Accident analysis found that the vast majority of eye injuries caused by nail guns would have been prevented if eye protection had been worn.

Nail Guns

Hearing protection should be worn when using nail guns. Nail guns can produce high noise levels.

Nail Guns

Workers need to be trained prior to operating nail guns. They need to understand how the tool should be used and how things can go wrong - including the incident causes listed above.

Nail Guns

The level of supervision provided should be proportionate to the age, experience, ability and attitude of each worker.

Nail Guns

Any incidents or near misses should be investigated by management to find out why and how the incident occurred. Action should then be taken to prevent it being repeated.

Any questions

Thank you for your time and co-operation

Nail Guns