Powder Actuated Nail Guns
Phil Diekemper, Safety & Risk Management Council  3-2020

Many of our carpenters today utilize Powder Actuated Nail Guns. They have become lighter, more versatile, and convenient. Use of nail guns, however, has led to new accidents, in lieu of the historical accident of a thumb being smashed by a hammer while holding a nail. Our company has experienced several incidents, especially during make up of wood forms or studded beam sides. These situations often involve a carpenter holding the material that is to be nailed. The following photo illustrates what can happen when the tool is not used correctly, with the carpenter’s hands clear.

In this case the carpenter was holding one of the studs of the beam-side against the top plate with the left hand. He was holding the nail gun with the right hand. The carpenter pushed the safety nozzle at the end of the nail gun against the top plate and squeezed the trigger. A nail shot out of the gun and hit a knot in the top plate. The nail angled up from the knot and punctured the carpenter’s left hand between the thumb and index finger.

To prevent this type of accident, set up a jig to help hold the top plate and studs in the correct location prior to nailing beam side frames together. It would have been smarter to nail the bottom nail first, and remove the hand prior to shooting the top nail during the attachment of studs to a top or bottom beam-side plate. Always use full sequential nail guns. These have a safety tip which must be against the wood before the trigger can be fired, preventing an airborne ejection of a nail. The safety tip must be pulled away and back again to reset the trigger.

In this case it also would have been smart to identify the knot in the lumber and avoid it. Knots are common and often affect lumber capacity and properties. They too can create dangers as this accident reveals.

Other general considerations when utilizing Powder Actuated Nail Guns:

If using an air pressure actuated nail gun, check air pressure prior to hooking the hose to the nail gun.

Before dislodging any stuck nails in the cartridge, or another repair, disconnect air pressure.

Areas surrounding work should be kept clear of tripping hazards from air hoses or cords.

Don’t be lured into a short cut by wiring back the safety nozzle and trigger for rapid firing of the nail gun.

Even with all safety precautions, it’s never good to point a nail gun at another.

Handle nail guns with care; don’t swing or drop the gun. Avoid climbing a ladder with a loaded nail gun against your body or hooked to an air hose.