CONSTRUCTION - 07.11.2011

Shot by a nail gun

Shot in the back

The accident in question happened in Billericay on October 10 2011. The 50-year-old builder was repairing a staircase with colleagues when a nail gun accidentally went off and a six-inch nail embedded itself in his back. Fortunately doctors were able to remove the nail without any apparent lasting damage.Nail guns are a great asset on site but it’s inevitable that a tool which is capable of shooting a nail into a piece of wood is also able to do some serious damage. Accidents are all too common; one study found that two out of five apprentice carpenters were injured by nail guns during their training.

What equipment are we talking about?

Nail guns are powered by pneumatics, electricity, gas, or a combination. There are various types available for different applications, with the largest timber nails fired by framing guns weighing up to 4kg. There are also more powerful versions used for fixing into metal and concrete. These normally use individual explosive charges and are known as cartridge tools.

The risk

Of course, safety features are built in. The nail should only fire when the tool is pressed down firmly and the trigger is depressed. But even so there are still significant risks. Much like the office stapler, discharge of the nails can be temperamental, e.g. the nail could hit a knot or misfire. An accident could also happen if the user trips or knocks against something while they are holding down the trigger.

Tip 1. Make sure that staff are trained to use the equipment. The main manufacturers offer free training and certification around the UK.

Tip 2. Ensure that use of the equipment is well controlled and that there’s no messing about. Use by under 18s is not advised and in the case of the cartridge tools, not permitted.

Tip 3. Make sure that the materials, nail gun and fixings are compatible. Get it wrong and the nail could go through the material to the other side.

Other hazards

Not all of the hazards are so obvious: for pneumatic tools, the trailing air hose creates a hazard and compressed air is also a risk if misused; nail guns could ignite a flammable atmosphere; noise levels can be 110 dB; and flying fragments from the materials etc. can cause eye injuries.

Tip 1. You’ll need make sure that any hearing protection you select is up to the job. Check out the manufacturer’s information and if in doubt seek advice from a specialist personal protective equipment (PPE) supplier.

Tip 2. Goggles must be worn. Check they are BS EN 166 B standard (166A for the cartridge tools).

Tip 3. Restrict access to the immediate work area to essential staff and make sure they’re provided with PPE.

Tip 4. The user manual will contain further information about the correct use and maintenance of your particular machine. Make sure that supervisors and staff are aware of and follow through these instructions.