Portable Power ToolsChapter 296-807, WAC |
Effective Date: 08/01/03 |
Powder Actuated Fastening SystemsWAC 296-807-150 |
Your responsibility:
Make sure powder actuated fastening
systems are used safely
IMPORTANT:
This section applies to any
powder actuated fastening system designed to use the expanding
gases from a powder load to propel a stud, pin, fastener, or other
object into hard structural material.
|
|
Exemption:
|
You must
TOOL OPERATORS
| Make sure tool operators
are qualified |
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
| Make sure employees are aware tools are
in use and wear appropriate personal protective equipment
(PPE) |
TOOL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
| Make sure tools are adequately designed and constructed |
LABELING
| Make sure tools and containers are properly labeled |
POWDER LOADS
| Make sure powder loads and power levels are properly identified |
|
| Use proper powder loads |
TOOL USE
| Make sure the tool is appropriate to the job |
|
| Make sure the operator uses the tool safely |
FASTENERS
| Use fasteners safely |
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
| Inspect and maintain tools properly |
STORAGE
| Make sure tools are stored properly |
TOOL OPERATORS
Make sure tool operators are qualified
You must
-
Make sure tools are used only by qualified operators
- Make sure operators have been trained by
an authorized instructor.
|
|
Note: Authorized instructors have to meet the instructor qualifications of ANSI A10.3-1995, Safety Requirements for Powder-Actuated Fastening Systems. |
You must
-
Make sure all tool operators can:
- Understand the manufacturer's instructions
- Clean the tool properly
- Recognize any visibly worn or damaged parts
- Identify power load levels
- Operate the tool correctly.
- Make sure tool operators have a valid qualified
operator's card in their
possession when they are using the tool.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Make sure employees are aware tools
are in use and wear
appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
You must
(1) Make sure eye or face protection is worn by:
-
Tool operators
-
Assistants
- Persons close to where the tool is being
used.
You must
(2) Post signs where
tools are being used and in adjacent areas where
tool use could pose a hazard. Signs must:
-
Be easily seen
-
Be at least 8 x 10 inches (20 x 25 cm)
-
Use letters in boldface type at least one inch (2.5 cm) high
- Read "POWDER ACTUATED TOOL IN USE"
or similar wording.
|
|
Note: Tool use could create a hazard in adjacent areas by allowing a fastener to penetrate one or more of the following:
|
TOOL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
Make sure tools are adequately designed and constructed
You must
(1) Make sure the
tool meets the design and construction requirements
of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), standard
ANSI A10.3-1995, Safety Requirements for Powder-Actuated Fastening
Systems.
|
|
Note: There may be a statement on the tool or in the instruction manual indicating the tool meets the requirements of the appropriate ANSI standard. If in doubt, check with the manufacturer. |
You must
(2) Make sure each tool has:
-
Operator instructions and a tool service manual
-
Powder load and fastener chart
- Service tools and accessories.
LABELING
Make sure tools and containers are properly labeled
You must
(1) Make sure tools are properly labeled.
-
Make sure each tool has a readable, permanent label that
shows the manufacturer's:– Model number
– Unique serial number.
- Make sure there is a durable warning label on each tool that:
– Reads "WARNING - FOR USE ONLY BY QUALIFIED OPERATORS ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTION MANUAL"
OR
– Uses words with the same meaning.
(2) Make sure the tool storage container has these labels:
-
"POWDER ACTUATED TOOL" on the outside of the container in an
easily seen position - "WARNING - POWDER ACTUATED TOOL. TO BE
USED ONLY BY A
QUALIFIED OPERATOR AND KEPT UNDER LOCK AND KEY WHEN NOT
IN USE" on the inside cover.
POWDER LOADS
Make sure powder loads and power levels are properly identified
You must
- Make sure powder loads and power levels are
identified as specified in Table 3, Powder-Load Identification.
Use proper powder loads
You must
- Use only a powder load that is:
– Recommended by the tool manufacturer for the particular tool
OR
– One that provides the same level of safety and performance.
TOOL USE
Make sure the tool is appropriate to the job
You must
(1) Use the lowest
velocity class of tool and load that will properly set
the fastener.
(2) Use the proper shield, fixture, adaptor,
or accessory that is:
- Suitable for the job
-
Recommended and supplied by the manufacturer.
Make sure the operator uses the tool safely
You must
(1) Make sure the operator:
-
Inspects the tool before using it, as recommended by the tool
manufacturer -
Uses the tool according to the manufacturer's instructions
-
Keeps the tool unloaded until just before using it
-
Unloads the tool at once if work is interrupted after the tool has been
loaded -
Doesn't leave a tool or powder load unattended where it would be
available to an unauthorized person -
Never points a tool (loaded or unloaded) at any part of a person's
body.
|
|
Note:
|
You must
(2) Make sure tools
aren't used in an explosive or flammable atmosphere.
(3) Do this if the tool misfires:
-
Hold it firmly against the work surface for 30 seconds
Then - Follow the instructions in the tool manufacturer's instruction manual.
(4) Hold the tool perpendicular
to the work surface when fastening to
any material.
 |
This doesn't apply if the tool manufacturer
recommends a different technique for a specific job. |
FASTENERS
Use fasteners safely
You must
(1) Use fasteners:
-
Recommended by the tool manufacturer for the particular tool
OR - Fasteners that provide the same level of safety and performance.
(2) Keep the fastener
from passing completely through the structural
material by using a backing material when driving a fastener into
any
material that is any of the following:
-
Easily penetrated
-
Thin
- Of questionable resistance.
(3) Make sure the
material is suitable for fastening. Don't drive
fasteners into very hard or brittle material such as:
- Cast iron
- Glazed tile
- Hardened steel
- Glass block
- Natural rock
- Hollow tile
- Most brick.
(4) Make sure positive
alignment with an existing hole is maintained by
using a guide or other means supplied or recommended by the tool
manufacturer before driving a fastener into the hole.
|
|
Helpful Tool: A center punch test will help you determine if the material is suitable. You can find a copy of this form in the Resources section of this chapter. |
You must
(5) Make sure fasteners
aren't driven into any spalled (chipped or
crumbled) area.
(6) Drive fasteners into concrete only if the
fastener shank will
penetrate no more than 1/3 the thickness of the concrete.
(7) Make sure fasteners are driven at least:
- 1/2 inch (13 mm) from the edge of steel
- 3 inches (75 mm) from the unsupported edge of masonry material.
|
This doesn't apply if an application is
specifically required or recommended by the tool manufacturer. |
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Inspect and maintain tools properly
You must
-
Make sure any tool that isn't in proper working condition is:
– Immediately removed from service
-
Regularly service the tool and inspect it for worn or damaged parts
at intervals recommended by the tool manufacturer. -
Replace worn or damaged parts before the tool is used. This must
be done:– By a qualified person
– Using only parts supplied by the tool manufacturer.
- Keep a written record of inspection dates.
– Tagged
– Properly repaired as specified in the manufacturer's
instructions before being used again.
STORAGE
Make sure tools are stored properly
You must
(1) Make sure there is a container that can be locked for each tool.
(2) Make sure tools and powder loads that aren't being used are:
-
Locked in a container
-
Stored in a safe place
-
Only available to authorized persons.
(3) Store all manuals,
maintenance tools, and accessories in the tool
container when they aren't being used.
