(a) A dealer or distributor of powder-actuated tools, who has been authorized by the
tool manufacturer to issue such cards.
(b) An authorized employee of a powder-actuated tool manufacturer.
History: 1979 AC; 2016 AACS.
R 408.41943. Powder-actuated tool operation.
Rule 1943. (1) An operator and assistant using a powder-actuated tool shall be
safeguarded by means of eye protection. Head and face protection shall be used as
required by the working conditions. Eye protection and head and face protection shall be
provided for and as prescribed in Construction Safety Standard Part 6 “Personal
Protective Equipment,” as referenced in R 408.41902.
(2) Before using a powder-actuated tool, the operator shall inspect it to determine to
the operator’s satisfaction that it is clean, that all moving parts operate freely, and that the
barrel is free from obstructions. A tool found not to be in proper working order, or that
develops a defect during use, shall be immediately removed from service and tagged, and
not used until repaired. The tag shall be as prescribed in Construction Safety Standard
Part 22 “Signals, Signs, Tags, and Barricades,” as referenced in R 408.41902.
(3) A powder-actuated tool shall not be loaded until just prior to the intended firing
time. An unattended powder-actuated tool shall not be left loaded.
(4) A powder-actuated tool shall not be left unattended in a place where it is
available to unauthorized persons.
(5) Neither a loaded nor an empty powder-actuated tool shall be pointed at any
employee, and hands should be kept clear of the open barrel end.
(6) A fastener shall not be driven under any of the following conditions:
(a) Through an existing hole, unless a positive guide is used to secure accurate
alignment.
(b) Into a material that can be easily penetrated, unless the material is backed by a
substance that will prevent the fastener from passing completely through and creating a
flying missile hazard on the other side.
(c) Into a very hard or brittle material, such as cast iron, glazed tile, surface hardened
steel, glass block, live rock, face brick, or hollow tile, unless designed for such use.
Before fastening any questionable material, the operator shall determine its suitability by
using a fastening as a center punch. If the fastener point does not easily penetrate, is not
blunted, and does not fracture the material, initial test fastenings shall then be made
pursuant to the tool manufacturer’s recommendations.
(d) Directly into material, such as brick or concrete, closer than 3 inches from the
unsupported edge or corner, or into a steel surface closer than 1/2 inch from the
unsupported edge or corner, unless a special guard, fixture, or jig is used. As an
exception, a low velocity powder-actuated tool may drive no closer than 2 inches from
the edge in concrete or 1/4 inch in steel. When fastening other material such as a 2 inch
by 4 inch wood section to a concrete surface, a fastener of no greater than 7/32 inch
shank diameter may be driven not closer than 2 inches from the unsupported edge or
corner of the work surface.
(7) A fastener shall not be driven into a spalled area caused by an unsatisfactory
fastening.
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