Nail Gun - Pneumatic - Operation SWMS
ACTIVITY: Nail Gun – Pneumatic - Operation / SWMS No.: 4
SAFE WORK METHOD STATEMENT (SWMS) - Part 1
Company Name: Prestige Pest Technologies / Address: 550 Casuarina Way, Casuarina, NSW, 2487 / ABN: 63 561 994 308
Company Contact: Gillian Middlebrook / Position: Director / Phone No: 1300 836 197
Project Details
Project: / Insert Photo
Job Address:
Job Description:
Relevant workers must be consulted in the development, approval and communication of this SWMS: / SWMS Approved by Employer/PCBU/Director/Owner:
Print Name
Name: (Include names of workers who were consulted in relation to the development of this SWMS) / Signature: / Job Title: / Date:
Signature:
Date:
Name of Principal Contractor: / Principal Contractor Company Name:
Date SWMS provided to Principal Contractor: / Principal Contractor Signature: / Date:
Name of person responsible for ensuring compliance with SWMS: / Signature: / Date:
SWMS Scope
This SWMS covers the general use of a Pneumatic Nail Gun.
This SWMS does not cover the use of an Air Compressor in sufficient detail.
Dedicated SWMS should be developed for these tasks, and for any risks not covered in this SWMS.
In previously recorded incidents involving Pneumatic Nail Guns the Nail Guns were able to be actuated by using contact trip actuation (bump fire or bounce fire). It is recommended that on construction sites this mode of operation not be used.
Preference is the sequential actuation mechanism, which requires the sequential operation of the muzzle (against a work piece) followed by the actuation of the trigger before a nail is discharged. / AS 1319-1994 Safety signs for the occupational environment reproduced with permission from SAI Global under licence 1210-c062. Standards may be purchased at
Foot Protection / Hearing Protection / High
Visibility / Eye Protection / Face Protection / Sun
Protection
/ / / / / Broad brimmed hat, UV rated clothing, SPF 30+ sunscreen, tinted safety glasses with adequate UV protection)
Hazards - What can cause harm? / Risks - What can happen? / Control Measures to Reduce Risk
Job Step: Planning
Hazards include:
-Sharp projectiles
-Hazardous Process – Using Compressed Air
-Air under pressure
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - awkward, twisting, bending positions
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - lifting, carrying, or putting down objects
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - repetitious movements
-Noise
-Objects on the ground
-Fall from height – eg: injured by nail gun causing fall off ladder. / Risks include:
- Struck by sharp projectiles – nails, timber splinters causing:
- Puncture wounds
- Cuts/splinters
- Laceration
- Amputations
- Eye injuries
- Skin injuries
- Falling over on same level causing bruises, sprains, strains, fractures
- Air Injection injuries
- Muscular stress
- Musculoskeletal Disorder
- Hearing Loss
- Deafness
- Fall from height causing serious injury/death. / Consultation in relation to hazards and risks.Ensure:
-Consult with the person you are carrying out the work for on the potential hazards and risks associated with the task.
-If represented by an elected health and safety representative, the representative is included in any consultation
-Any other persons on site (trade or otherwise) who are effected by the same matter are consulted and co-operative arrangements are made (e.g. co-ordination or alternative measures)
-Document consultation and action items.
Liaise with Principal Contractor to establish the following on-site systems and procedures are in place:
-Health and Safety rules
-Induction for all workers – site specific
-Supervisory arrangements
-Communication
-Injury reporting
-Hazard reporting
-Personal Protective Equipment
-Exclusion Zones
-Risk Assessments
-SWMS and JSA’s.
Assess the exposure of operators to noise, including the frequency of exposure to noise levels that exceed the legislated Exposure Standard while operating a Pneumatic
Nail Gun and determine required controls such as Audiometric Testing and PPE.
Refer to Noise Control SWMS for detailed information regarding the prevention of hearing loss and legislative requirements.
Audiometric Testing:
If Audiometric testing is required it must:
-Be provided within three months of the worker commencing work
-Be started before people are exposed to hazardous noise (such as new workers or those changing jobs)
-Provide a baseline as a reference for future audiometric test results
-Have follow-up tests carried out at least every two years.
-Be carried out with consultation with your workers and their health and safety representatives
-Be carried out by competent persons in accordance with the procedures in the relevant Australian Standard
-Workers should be given the results of audiometric testing accompanied by a written explanation of the meaning and implications.
All operators must be trained and competent to use the Pneumatic Nail Gun.
Training to include:
-Safe Work Procedures:
- How to load the nail gun
- How to operate the air compressor
- How to fire the nail gun
- How to hold lumber during placement work
- How to recognise and approach ricochet-prone work surfaces
- How to handle awkward position work (e.g. toe-nailing)
- Working on ladders/trestles/scaffold
- How best to handle special risks associated with contact and singleactuation triggers such as nail gun recoil and double fires
- What to do when a nail gun malfunctions
-Manual handling
-Read and understand the manufacturer’s operation manual
-First Aid.
RB:3H / Person responsible to implement control measures: / RA:2M
Job Step: Preparation
Hazards include:
-Sharp projectiles
-Hazardous Process – Using Compressed Air
-Air under pressure
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - awkward, twisting, bending positions
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - lifting, carrying, or putting down objects
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - repetitious movements
-Noise
-Objects on the ground
-Fall from height – eg: injured by nail gun causing fall off ladder. / Risks include:
- Struck by sharp projectiles – nails, timber splinters causing:
- Puncture wounds
- Cuts/splinters
- Laceration
- Amputations
- Eye injuries
- Skin injuries
- Falling over on same level causing bruises, sprains, strains, fractures
- Air Injection injuries
- Muscular stress
- Musculoskeletal Disorder
- Hearing Loss
- Deafness
- Fall from height causing serious injury/death. / Ensure site induction is provided before final preparations for work commences.
Ensure all operators:
-Attend the site induction & toolbox talks
-Follow site safety procedures.
If working outdoors. Ensure:
-Suitable protective clothing
-Sun brim on hard hat
-Safety glasses - UV Rated
-Use 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin areas
-Adequate drinking water
-Access to shade during breaks
-Be aware of snakes if work area has long grass or dense vegetation
-Adequate breaks
-Check weather conditions – do not work in extreme weather.
Safety Signs:
-Clearly display one or more warning signs that nail guns are in use.
-Signs should be in place below the work area as well. E.g. – First floor of a construction where the second floor is being nailed in place.
Compressor Location:
-Where it will not be damaged
-Where it will not become a tripping and noise hazard
-Electric leads should be as short as possible.
Ensure:
-Work area is clean and uncluttered
-Remove any trip hazards
-All air hoses are located where they will not be damaged. E.g - not across walkways, roadways
-Exclusion zone in place – no unauthorised persons
-Set up work zone so that other workers are not in the line of fire of Nail Guns.
Monitoring:PCBU’s/foremen/principal contractors monitor the use of the nail guns to ensure that the safe systems of work are being maintained by the operators.
Work At Heights:
-Identify and control the dangers of using Nail Guns while working at height.
-Set up jobs to minimise the need for nailing at height.
-Use scaffolds instead of ladder when possible.
Use full sequential trigger guns to prevent injuries, which could occur from bumping a leg while climbing up or down the ladder.
RB: 3H / Person responsible to implement control measures: / RA: 2M
Job Step: Pre – Operational Inspection
Hazards include:
-Sharp projectiles
-Hazardous Process – Using Compressed Air
-Air under pressure
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - awkward, twisting, bending positions
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - lifting, carrying, or putting down objects
-Noise
-Objects on the ground. / Risks include:
- Struck by sharp projectiles – nails, timber splinters causing:
- Puncture wounds
- Cuts/splinters
- Laceration
- Amputations
- Eye injuries
- Skin injuries
- Falling over on same level causing bruises, sprains, strains, fractures
- Air Injection injuries
- Muscular stress
- Hearing Loss
- Deafness. / Air Compressor. Ensure:
-All guards are fitted and undamaged. E.g. - guards around any belts
-Oil in the crank case is filled to the correct level
-Air hoses, couplings and connections for positive fitting and to determine if leakage or other damage exists.
-Any damaged hoses are replaced
-DO NOT tape pin holes in air hoses
-Operation of the safety valve is checked (Usually a ring pull. Air discharge should stop when ring is released.)
-Air tank has been drained of moisture
-That the correct pressure has been set for the nail gun.
Note - The maximum operating pressure is usually stamped on the gun.
WARNING: Using high-pressure air can cause serious injury. Never use compressed air for blowing dust off skin or clothing.
DO NOT: use any faulty equipment. Remove from service and promptly report all needed repairs. Lockout & tag as required.
WARNING: Bump-fire nail guns (including those fitted with switchable levers that allow the gun to be used in another mode)must notbe used:
-Where the user is required to climb ladders or other elevated areas with a loaded gun
-In restricted and tight spaced areas where the gun’s actuation muzzle is at high risk of being bumped
-Where other people are likely to come within the firing path of the nail gun or there is a foreseeable risk of them being struck by a flying nail (e.g. by ricochet or deflection).
Nail Gun. Ensure:
-Nail Gun is appropriate type and strength
-It is inspected prior to each use
-It is inspected before being connected to the air supply hose
-That on construction sites the nail gun cannot be fired without being in firm contact with the work
-There are no loose screws
-Adjust pressure to suit material thickness and type
-That the correct nails have been loaded. Different length nails must be avoided.
-Check safety trigger, spring and other controls are functioning correctly
-A few drops of oil are placed into the air intake unless an automatic system is included with the gun or compressor. (Mist spray.)
-Nail Gun is correctly attached to the air supply hose.
Hearing protection, ensure:
-It is worn by all persons throughout the period of exposure to noise
-It is suitable for the type of working environment and the work tasks
-It s comfortable and correctly fitting for the worker
-It is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure it remains in good, clean condition.
RB: 3H / Person responsible to implement control measures: / RA: 2M
Job Step: Loading the Nail Gun – Clearing a Jam
Hazards include:
-Sharp projectiles
-Hazardous Process – Using Compressed Air
-Air under pressure
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - awkward, twisting, bending positions
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - lifting, carrying, or putting down objects
-Noise
-Objects on the ground. / Risks include:
- Struck by sharp projectiles – nails, timber splinters causing:
- Puncture wounds
- Cuts/splinters
- Laceration
- Amputations
- Eye injuries
- Skin injuries
- Falling over on same level causing bruises, sprains, strains, fractures
- Air Injection injuries
- Muscular stress
- Hearing Loss
- Deafness. / Loading the nail gun:
-Select a row of nails and load the nails onto the track of the magazine
-Replace the magazine firmly back into the body of the nail gun until it clicks into place. Note – If too many nails have been loaded the magazine will not click back into place. Remove some of the nails.
-Nails must be uniform, not different sizes or types
-Use only nails recommended by the manufacturer.
Jammed Nails:
-Close off air supply at the compressor
-Release the air pressure in the line by depressing the trigger to exhaust all air from the gun and line
-Remove the nail gun
-Squeeze and remove the magazine release clip
-Remove any nails loose nails in the magazine
-Grip the jammed nail firmly with a pair of pliers and pull it out.
Note: – If you cannot remove all jammed nails the nail gun should be removed from service until repaired.
RB: 3H / Person responsible to implement control measures: / RA: 2M
Job Step: Operating the Nail Gun
Hazards include:
-Sharp projectiles
-Hazardous Process – Using Compressed Air
-Air under pressure
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - awkward, twisting, bending positions
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - lifting, carrying, or putting down objects
-Hazardous Manual Tasks - repetitious movements
-Noise
-Objects on the ground
-Fall from height – eg: injured by nail gun causing fall off ladder. / Risks include:
- Struck by sharp projectiles – nails, timber splinters causing:
- Puncture wounds
- Cuts/splinters
- Laceration
- Amputations
- Eye injuries
- Skin injuries
- Falling over on same level causing bruises, sprains, strains, fractures
- Air Injection injuries
- Muscular stress
- Musculoskeletal Disorder
- Hearing Loss
- Deafness
- Fall from height causing serious injury/death. / WARNING. Discharged nails and pressurised air has the potential to cause serious harm or death through direct nail projectiles and indirect ricochets.
Work on Ladders:
-Check ladders are correct type, in good condition, and clean.
-Maintain three (3) points of contact at all times.
-This means that clamps may need to be used for placement work. Holding a Nail Gun in one hand and the work piece with the other provides only two points of contact (your feet). Reaching and recoil can make you lose your balance and fall. Falls, especially with contact trigger nailers, can result in Nail Gun and fall injuries.
-Position ladders to avoid overstretching. Belt buckle should stay between the side rails when reaching to the side.
Work on Scaffolds. Ensure:
-Procedure is in place for working on scaffold with a Nail Gun and all workers must follow the procedure
-Scaffold is certified ready for use.
Always:
-Be careful that you do not come into contact with the compressor motor while operating as it can become hot
- Ensure you have a comfortable balance while operating the nail gun
- Keep your fingers off the trigger when just holding or carrying the Nail Gun
-Keep hands/fingers/feet and other body parts at least 10 cm away from gun nose
-Disconnect the nail gun from its air or electrical power source before transporting, reloading or trying to free a jammed nail
-Concentrate when using the Nail Gun and do NOT operate gun if distracted.
Never:
-Try to climb a ladder with the nail gun cradled against your body
-Lower the nail gun from above or drag the tool by the hose. If the nail-gun hose gets caught on something, don’t pull on the hose. Go find the problem and release the hose
-Use the nailer with your non-dominant hand
-Use any part of your body to support the wood you are nailing
-Rest the nail gun against any body part
-Fire nails on top of each other. If required move the nail gun slightly
-By-pass or disable the Nail Gun’s safety features
-Attempt to operate this power tool if you are an inexperienced worker, without proper training
-Never use bottled gas to power air-powered nail guns
-Use rapid firing of gun
-Use your foot to hold or support wood pieces
-Use second hand nails
-Never leave any nail gun unattended.
WARNING: ONLY ever point the nail gun at the work – never at yourself or another person.
Ensure:
-The Nail Gun user and everyone working within the vicinity are wearing safety glasses. Protective footwear and hearing protection also should be worn.
-Nail Gun is not operated at a pressure above the manufacturers' rating.
-If unsure start with a low pressure setting and gradually increase.
-If work using awkward positions is required, plan carefully and take extra time to work out how to do the job safely.
Nailing:
-Turn on the compressor
-Open the air outlet valve to start operation
-Adjust the Nail Gun for the depth of the nail required
-Hold the Nail Gun firmly with the nail track against, and at 90 degrees to the work
-Place the Nail Gun hard against the surface to be nailed, depressing the safety nose. This releases the safety trigger