Michigan Administrative Code
Department - Labor and Economic Opportunity
MIOSHA
General Industry and Construction Safety and Occupational Health Standards
Construction Safety and Health Standard
Part 19 - TOOLS
Section R. 408.41943 - Powder-actuated tool operation

Universal Citation: MI Admin Code R. 408.41943

Current through Vol. 24-16, September 15, 2024

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 operators 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 manufacturers 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.

(8) A powder-actuated tool shall be used with the correct guard, shield, or attachment recommended by the manufacturer.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Michigan may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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