Nail gun safety

Key points

1. 1Use a sequential (single-shot) trigger whenever you can, especially for framing, toenailing and work overhead. Bump firing makes double shots and accidental shots much more likely.
2. 2Keep your finger off the trigger until the nose is on the work and you are ready to fire. Never carry the gun with your finger on the trigger, and never walk or climb a ladder that way.
3. 3Keep your free hand at least 12 inches away from where you are nailing. Use a clamp to hold small pieces instead of your hand.
4. 4Never point a nail gun at yourself or anyone else, even as a joke. Treat it like it is always loaded.
5. 5Disconnect the air hose or remove the battery before you clear a jam, adjust the tool, or hand it to someone. Do not leave a connected gun lying around.
6. 6Check the tool before you use it: the safety contact tip must work and never be taped or wired down. Keep air pressure at the level the maker recommends, and tag out any gun that is not working right.
7. 7Wear safety glasses every time, and hearing protection when you're nailing a lot. Watch for knots, metal straps and the edge of the board, where nails can glance off or blow through.

Talk it over

• Which of our nail guns are set to bump fire right now, and which jobs could we switch to sequential?
• Has anyone had a nail glance off, blow through, or double fire? What was happening at the time?
• Where on this site are we nailing near other workers, like on the other side of a wall or below a deck?

Also in the other language: Seguridad con pistolas de clavos

Official sources

• 29 CFR 1926.302 — Power-operated hand tools

More toolbox talks

• Call 811: underground utilities
• Hard hats
• Fire prevention on the job