Because nail guns are quick and convenient, they are some of the commonly used devices in roofing. Despite the fact that they are great tools, they are highly dangerous if used indiscriminately.
Statistics show that nail guns injure tens of thousands of people every year with most of the accidents hitting the users’ hands. They can also damage the bones, nerves, legs, knees, joints, toes, and tendons.
The good news is that there are safety measures that can be taken to protect people from the risks involved with nail guns. This article will examine three easy steps to protect employers from the hazards of nail guns. First, learn the potential risks of using a nail gun.
How Nail Gun Injuries Occur?
Learning the major risk factors can help workers prevent injuries at job sites. Here are the main potential hazards.
- Missing of a workpiece
- Unexpected nail discharge from the gun
- Penetration of the nail through lumber
- Safety mechanism bypass
- Awkward nail positioning
- Ricocheting after the nail hits a hard structure
3 Nail Gun Safety Measures
#Use the correct working procedure
The right procedures are related to safe operations and maintenance practices. Some of the right procedures are as follows:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
- Check power source before the job starts
- Keep hands 12” from the point of nailing
- Check for straps, hangers, nails, and nails on lumber which can lead to ricocheting and recoiling
- Brace the working material with clamps rather than bare hands
- Shoot nails away from co-workers
- When not in use, disconnect the compressor from the nail gun
#Wear protective gear
Personal protective equipment and accessories are vital in the safe application of the nail gun. Workers need the following:
- Earmuffs or earplugs
- Safety goggles
- Hard hats
- Gloves
- Boots
#Proper Training
New workers must be educated on the correct use of brad nailers. The veterans, on the other hand, must always keep in mind the involved risks as well as correct usage. The trainers must keep the information simple and short. The best way to teach is to make sub-topics out of bigger topics. The main subject matters that must be covered include:
- The function of nail guns and different types of triggers
- How to load a nail gun
- How to fire
- Manufacturer’s guidelines
- Nail gun inspection
- The operation of the air compressor
- Various causes of gun injuries
- How to deal with risky surfaces and weird positions
- Maintenance practices
Prevention is always better than cure. Workers can avoid most of the nail gun risks by taking the 4 steps. But in case of an injury, it is important that the employee reports it to the employer. The employer should take responsibility for the injury and warn other workers against similar injuries.