OSHA's construction standards set the rules for them in 29 CFR 1926.302, "Power-operated hand tools," paragraph (e), "Powder-actuated tools." This explainer answers one practical question from that paragraph: who may operate one of these tools on a construction site, and what must happen before and during use? Nothing here describes a rule change.
Who may operate a powder-actuated tool?
Paragraph (e)(1) states: "Only employees who have been trained in the operation of the particular tool in use shall be allowed to operate a powder-actuated tool."
Two points follow from the wording:
- The training is tied to the tool. The rule says "the particular tool in use," not powder-actuated tools in general.
- The rule does not say who gives the training or how long it lasts. Paragraph (e) does not name a training provider, a card or a number of hours. (The ANSI standard that paragraph (e)(12) references is not covered here.)
What check is required each day?
Paragraph (e)(2) states: "The tool shall be tested each day before loading to see that safety devices are in proper working condition. The method of testing shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended procedure."
If the tool fails, paragraph (e)(3) applies: "Any tool found not in proper working order, or that develops a defect during use, shall be immediately removed from service and not used until properly repaired."
Loading, pointing and leaving the tool
Paragraph (e)(5) sets three rules in a row: "Tools shall not be loaded until just prior to the intended firing time. Neither loaded nor empty tools are to be pointed at any employees. Hands shall be kept clear of the open barrel end."
Paragraph (e)(6) adds: "Loaded tools shall not be left unattended."
Where fasteners must not be driven
The rule names materials and places to avoid:
- Hard or brittle materials. Paragraph (e)(7): "Fasteners shall not be driven into very hard or brittle materials including, but not limited to, cast iron, glazed tile, surface-hardened steel, glass block, live rock, face brick, or hollow tile."
- Material a fastener could pass through. Paragraph (e)(8): "Driving into materials easily penetrated shall be avoided unless such materials are backed by a substance that will prevent the pin or fastener from passing completely through and creating a flying missile hazard on the other side."
- A spalled spot. Paragraph (e)(9): "No fastener shall be driven into a spalled area caused by an unsatisfactory fastening."
- Explosive or flammable atmospheres. Paragraph (e)(10): "Tools shall not be used in an explosive or flammable atmosphere."
Shields, guards and protective equipment
Paragraph (e)(11) states: "All tools shall be used with the correct shield, guard, or attachment recommended by the manufacturer." Paragraph (e)(4) states: "Personal protective equipment shall be in accordance with subpart E of this part." In the eCFR table of contents, Subpart E of Part 1926 is titled "Personal Protective and Life Saving Equipment."
Paragraph (e)(12) also refers to a consensus standard: "Powder-actuated tools used by employees shall meet all other applicable requirements of American National Standards Institute, A10.3-1970, Safety Requirements for Explosive-Actuated Fastening Tools." This post covers only the text of 1926.302(e) itself.
Quick summary
| Paragraph | What it requires |
|---|---|
| 1926.302(e)(1) | Only employees trained on the particular tool in use may operate it |
| 1926.302(e)(2) | Test the tool each day before loading, by the manufacturer's recommended procedure |
| 1926.302(e)(3) | Remove a defective tool from service immediately until properly repaired |
| 1926.302(e)(4) | Personal protective equipment per Subpart E |
| 1926.302(e)(5) | Load just before firing; never point loaded or empty tools at employees; keep hands clear of the open barrel end |
| 1926.302(e)(6) | Never leave a loaded tool unattended |
| 1926.302(e)(7) | No fasteners into very hard or brittle materials (examples listed in the rule) |
| 1926.302(e)(8) | Avoid easily penetrated materials unless backed |
| 1926.302(e)(9) | No fastener into a spalled area caused by an unsatisfactory fastening |
| 1926.302(e)(10) | Not in an explosive or flammable atmosphere |
| 1926.302(e)(11) | Use the correct shield, guard or attachment recommended by the manufacturer |
| 1926.302(e)(12) | Meet other applicable requirements of ANSI A10.3-1970 |
Other tool rules in the same section
The rest of 1926.302 covers electric, pneumatic, fuel-powered and hydraulic tools. Another rule in the same section is paragraph (b)(4): "Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning purposes except where reduced to less than 30 p.s.i. and then only with effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment which meets the requirements of subpart E of this part. The 30 p.s.i. requirement does not apply for concrete form, mill scale and similar cleaning purposes."
Study with goraedu
Our OSHA construction safety hub collects our construction study guides and practice tests. The personal protective equipment study guide covers Subpart E, which paragraph (e)(4) points to, and the general safety practice test lets you check yourself with our own questions.