CPWR—The Center for Construction Research and Training reports some common causes of injury related to improper use of nail guns include unintended firing; holding down the contact trigger when the gun is not firm against the work surface; ricocheting or airborne nails; nails going through the work surface; and bypassing safety features, according to Safety+Health magazine.
CPWR offers the following tips to avoid injuries from nail guns.
- Keep the nail gun pointed away from your body and other workers, especially when the air supply is connected.
- Disconnect the compressed air if you leave a nail gun unattended, move to a new location with it, hand it off to a co-worker or are performing maintenance.
- Do not reach up and attempt to use the nail gun in a spot you cannot fully see. If you cannot reach the work, use a hammer instead.
- Wear personal protective equipment such as safety glasses marked with Z87+, hearing protection and steel-toed footwear.
- Be sure you are trained regarding the safe use and handling of a nail gun.
