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.

You must

TOOL OPERATORS

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

TOOL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

LABELING

POWDER LOADS

TOOL USE

FASTENERS

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

STORAGE

TOOL OPERATORS

WAC 296-807-15005

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.
  

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

WAC 296-807-15010

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.
  

TOOL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

WAC 296-807-15015

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.

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

WAC 296-807-15020

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

WAC 296-807-15025

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.
  

WAC 296-807-15030

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

WAC 296-807-15035

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.
  

WAC 296-807-15040

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.
  

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.

Exemption: This doesn't apply if the tool manufacturer recommends a different technique for a specific job.

FASTENERS

WAC 296-807-15045

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.

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.

Exemption: This doesn't apply if an application is specifically required or recommended by the tool manufacturer.

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

WAC 296-807-15050

Inspect and maintain tools properly

You must

• Make sure any tool that isn't in proper working condition is:

  – Immediately removed from service

– Tagged

– Properly repaired as specified in the manufacturer's
instructions before being used again.

• 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.
  

STORAGE

WAC 296-807-15055

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.