Powered Hand Tools - Pneumatic Nailing and Stapling Tools
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What general safety principles should you follow when using pneumatic nailing and stapling tools?
Back to top- Permit only experienced and trained people to operate pneumatic nailing and stapling tools.
- Provide proper training on the safe operation, potential hazards, and emergency procedures.
- Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles) and, where necessary, use hearing protection.
- Consider wearing protective, tight-fitting gloves to reduce the risk of cuts or punctures.
- Wear non-slip, protective footwear.
- Inspect each tool before connecting it to the air supply:
- Check tool safety mechanisms for proper operation.
- Tighten all screws and cylinder caps securely.
- Verify the air supply and pressure meet the manufacturer's specifications.
- Check that the tool is correctly and securely connected to the air supply hose, in good working order, and has a fully operating safety mechanism before using.
- Always handle a tool as if it is loaded with fasteners (nails, staples, etc.).
- Equip tools with a work-contacting element that limits the contact area to one that is as small as practical.
- Make sure that the mechanical linkage between the work-contacting element and the trigger is enclosed to prevent unintentional firing.
- Maintain a safe distance from others while operating the tool.

- Disconnect the tool from the air supply and exhaust all air from the tool when:
- not in use.
- performing cleaning or adjustments.
- clearing blockages.
- Use only fasteners and components recommended by the manufacturer.
- Allow only properly trained people to perform tool maintenance.
- Make sure the work area is clean, well-lit, and free of obstructions.
- Avoid working in wet or slippery conditions.
- Make sure the workpiece is secured properly to prevent movement during operation.
What should be avoided when using pneumatic nailing and stapling tools?
Back to top- Do not point the tool toward yourself or anyone else, whether it contains fasteners or not.
- Do not depress the trigger unless the nosepiece of the tool is directed onto a safe work surface.
- Do not carry the tool with the trigger depressed.
- Do not load the tool with fasteners while the trigger is depressed.
- Do not operate at a pressure above the manufacturer's rated specifications.
- Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance.
- Do not use compressed air to blow debris or to clean dirt from clothes.
- Do not modify the tool or disable safety features.
- Do not use any damaged or malfunctioning tools. Report defects immediately.

Refer to Powered Hand Tools - Basic Safety for Pneumatic Tools for general safety tips for using tools powered by compressed air.
- Fact sheet last revised: 2025-04-15