For all and intents and purposes, powder actuated tools that use an explosive charge to hurl a nail or other fastener are loaded firearms that should be used only when comprehensive safety policies and procedures are in place. Here’s a template powder actuated tools safety policy that you can adapt based on your own circumstances and use, either as a standalone policy or a rider that you can incorporate into your broader portable and hand tools safety policy.

1. PURPOSE

ABC Company has adopted this Policy to ensure the safe use of a hand and power tool known as a powder actuated tool in accordance with [province] Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (“OHS Regulations”), the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“Act”), the ABC Company Occupational Health and Safety Program (“OHS Program”), and other applicable requirements and standards.

2. POLICY

This Policy is designed to complement the OHS Program and ABC Company training program by setting proper procedures for workers to follow when operating chain saws in industrial and construction settings. This Policy is not intended to address chain saw use in forestry, logging or other operations governed by special requirements contained in OHS or other applicable regulations that are specific to those operations.

3. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Policy:

• “Powder actuated tool,” which is sometimes referred to as an explosive actuated tool, is a hand tool used to join materials to hard substrates like steel and concrete using a technology that relies on a controlled explosion created by igniting a small chemical propellant charge, similar to the process that causes a gun to fire a bullet; and
• “Qualified operator” means a worker who: (i) has been trained in the proper handling and use of the powder actuated tool; (ii) met applicable certification requirements for operating a powder actuated tool; and (iii) authorized by ABC Company to operate the powder actuated tool.

4. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensuring safe use of powder actuated tools is a collective responsibility.

4.1 Management

Management is responsible for general oversight and review of this Policy and furnishing the resources necessary to ensure its effective implementation.

4.2 OHS Coordinator

The ABC Company OHS coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of this Policy, including but not limited to ensuring that:

• Powder actuated tools used at ABC Company work sites are properly designed and constructed in accordance with OHS and other applicable standards;
• Tools are operated in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and ABC Company safe work procedures;
• Workers are furnished and use proper PPE when operating or working near powder actuated tools;
• Workers receive appropriate training, instruction and supervision on safe use of powder actuated tools; and
• This Policy is properly reviewed, in consultation with ABC Company management and the workplace joint health and safety committee.

4.3 Supervisors

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that:

• Powder actuated tools are used only by qualified operators following manufacturer’s instructions and ABC Company safety policies and procedures;
• Qualified operators carry any special certification card or documentation required under provincial laws;
• Nobody gains unauthorized access to areas where powder actuated tools are in use;
• Powder actuated tools are properly inspected;
• Tools found to have defects are red tagged and immediately removed from service;
• Powder actuated tools and cartridges are securely stored when not in use to prevent unauthorized and unlawful use;
• Modifications or additions which may affect the safe use of tools are not made without the manufacturer’s prior written approval; and
• Such modifications or additions are made only with parts manufactured, supplied or recommended by the tool’s manufacturer.

4.4 Workers

Workers’ duties include:

• Not operating a powder actuated tool unless they’re authorized as a qualified operator;
• Operating the powder actuated tool in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and ABC Company safety policies and procedures;
• Inspecting powder actuated tools before each use to confirm that:
  • The tool is clean;
  • All moving parts operate freely;
  • The barrel is free from any obstruction;
  • The tool is adequately equipped for the intended use; and
  • The tool is not defective;
• Immediately notifying a supervisor of any actual or suspected tool malfunction, defect or improper cartridge discharge;
• Properly securing all tools and cartridges when they are not in use; and
• Remaining outside the work areas where powder actuated tools are in use unless they’re a qualified operator or it’s essential for them to be in the area.

5. GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES

5.1 Selection of Powder Actuated Tools

Safe design and construction will be primary criteria that ABC Company will consider in selecting powder actuated tools to be used by workers. All such tools will:

• Meet [insert based on your jurisdiction]:
  • BC/NB/NL/NS/PEI/YK: ANSI Standard A10.3, Powder-Actuated Fastening Systems - Safety Requirements
  • FED: CSA Standard Z166-1975, Explosive Actuated Fastening Tools, (June, 1975);
• Be designed so that it requires two separate and distinct operations to fire such that firing occurs separately from and only the tool is depressed into the firing position;
• Be designed so that positive means of varying the power level is available, enabling the operator to select a power level appropriate for the work;
• Be legibly and durably marked with the name of the manufacturer and other information required under applicable laws and standards; and
• Be safe and suitable for their intended use.

5.2 Appropriate Use of Powder Actuated Tools

Powder actuated tools may be used only by qualified operators.

5.3 Keeping Powder Actuated Tools in Good Working Condition

Powder actuated tools must be properly inspected, serviced and maintained according to manufacturers’ instructions. A tool found to be defective or in poor condition poses a safety danger and will be immediately taken out of service.

5.4 Reporting Defects & Damage

When a powder actuated tool is not in safe working condition, workers must identify it as unsafe by marking or locking it out. Once the tool has been locked out, workers must immediately notify a supervisor for proper repair or disposal.

5.5 Storage of Powder Actuated Tools

When not in use, powder actuated tool must be unloaded and the tool and power loads must besecurely stored in a dry metal container or other secure location that is accessible only to qualified operators. Power loads of different power levels and types must be kept in different compartments or containers painted red with white letters stating "Powder Actuated Tool" on the outside and "For Use by Qualified Operators Only" and "Keep Locked When Not in Use" on the inside.

6. SAFE WORK PROCEDURES

ABC Company will develop, implement, train workers in and ensure workers follow safe work procedures for operating a powder actuated tool that require, among other things, that workers:

• Not operate a powder actuated tool unless they’ve been properly trained and authorized to do so;
• Carefully follow manufacturer’s instructions in operating the tool;
• Use only cartridges and fasteners designed for the tool;
• Ensure that the breech and barrel are free of foreign matter before loading the tool;
• Perform loading only immediately before firing;
• Unload the tool immediately if work is interrupted for any reason after loading has been performed;
• Never point the tool at any person, regardless of whether it’s loaded or unloaded;
• Never leave loaded tools unattended;
• Not use defective or unsafe tools until they’ve been satisfactorily repaired;
• Keep their hands away from the barrel end;
• Ensure that the powder level of the tool is appropriate and will work without excessive force;
• Wear appropriate PPE, especially eye, face, head and hearing protection;
• Not repair or modify a powder-actuated tool unless they use parts and follow instructions supplied by the manufacturer;
• Not use a powder actuated tool in a confined space or other area with an explosive or flammable atmosphere unless proper ventilation is provided;
• Not fire a fastener into a surface unless they’re sure it will contain the fastener;
• Not fire a fastener:
  • Through an existing hole unless the tool is specifically equipped by the manufacturer for accurate alignment of the barrel with the hole;
  • Into a “spalled” or chipped surface, such as an uneven area where a previous fastening was unsatisfactory;
  • Into very hard or brittle materials, such as cast iron, glazed tile, hardened steel, glass block, natural rock, hollow tile and most brick;
• When a misfire occurs, hold the tool firmly against the work surface for at least 5-15 seconds and then follow the manufacturer’s instructions for misfires; and
• Return unused cartridges to a proper Not refuel the saw while the engine is operating or it’s near a source of ignition.

7. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Workers must wear appropriate PPE when operating or working near an operating powder actuated tool, including but not necessarily limited to suitable eye or face protection shielding the worker from flying debris, ricochet and other hazards to the eyes and face, hearing protection and protective gloves.

8. TRAINING & EDUCATION

All workers who are authorized as qualified operators of powder actuated tools must be properly trained in, at a minimum:

• ABC Company safe work rules and procedures for operating the tool;
• The manufacturers’ instructions for the tool;
• How to select the appropriate tool, accessories, fastener and power load for each job;
• The limitations of each type of tool, fastener and power load;
• Proper use of the PPE required when operating the tool; and
• Proper maintenance, repair, inspection and use of the tool.

Workers will not be considered properly trained unless and until they demonstrate to their supervisor that they have understood their training and are capable of applying it to use the power actuated tool safely.

While operating a power actuated tool, qualified operators must carry and be willing present, if requested, a copy of their operating license or other certification or training credentials required by [province] law.