Powder actuated tool safety precautions are an absolute necessity for those who come in contact with PATs daily. In fact, no matter who you are or how many times you come in contact with a powder actuated tool in a day, week, or month, you need to be careful around them.
If you talk about the electrical construction industry, the importance of powder actuated tools has long been established. They have revolutionized the way things are done in the industry.
With PATs around, contractors no longer have to use a concrete drill bit for drilling. What’s more, they don’t even need to use anchors or screws just to fasten things up.
Moreover, they help their users connect electrical junction boxes and conduit clips, etc., to steel, masonry, and concrete surfaces. However, even though powder actuated tools are no less than a blessing in disguise for many of us, the safety risks that come with their use aren’t small either.
Powder Actuated Tool Safety Risks
Before you can be a qualified powder actuated tool operator, you need to be able to address the safety risks involved. That can only be done through proper powder actuated tool safety training.
This should explain why only the people with a valid certification card are authorized to use powder actuated tools. Your valid certification card verifies your authority to use PATs and proves that you have undergone the required powder actuated tool safety training.
Types of Powder Actuated Tool Safety Trainings
There are two kinds of certifications you can choose from depending on the location of your workplace.
- If your workplace is situated anywhere in California, you will have to sign up for the specific training course being offered in California. This certification has an expiry date. After 3 years, you will have to sign up for the training again to get the certificate.
- If your workplace is not located in California, then you will have to sign up for the normal powder actuated tool safety training. The certificate for this type of powder actuated tool safety training stays valid for the rest of your life.
Powder Actuated Tool Safety Precautions
One thing you should remember as a certified powder actuated tool operator is the fact that you can never be too careful when operating PATs. Getting trained in a professional capacity does not render you immune to any powder actuated tool safety risks you may be facing.
This should explain why PAT operators are encouraged to carefully read the instructions manual before using any PAT. With that being said, here’s a list of some of the most important powder actuated tool safety precautions you just can’t afford to ignore:
- Always read the instruction manual before you start using a PAT even if you have used it in the past.
- When using a powder actuated tool, make it a point not to use any normal nails or the ones made of concrete. PATs can only be used with special pins or power fasteners made from alloy steel that provides them with the right amount of ductility, hardness, and toughness suitable for the relevant PAT.
- You must also bear in mind that powder actuated tools contain a specific amount of the special powder to ensure consistency in performance.
- Avoid using powder actuated tools in environments prone to fire hazards.
- Whether you are assembling, disassembling, cleaning, or replacing a barrel, make it a point to unload the powder actuated tool beforehand.
- Don’t forget to wear protective gear approved by ANSI/OSHA to protect your eyes and ears before using the powder actuated tool.
Conclusion
Powder actuated tools, although a blessing for most operators, can just as easily turn into a curse if not handled with care. Therefore, it is very important that you take all the necessary powder actuated tool safety precautions while handling these PATs. Not just for your safety but for the safety of the ones around you as well.
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