Nailer › Nail gun safety (HSE guidance)
Nail gun safety (HSE guidance)
Nail guns cause real injuries. Here is what the Health and Safety Executive says, with plain-English tips for DIYers and trades.
The hazards HSE describes
HSE's woodworking pages describe five types of incident:
- Operators shooting themselves in the torso by putting themselves in the line of fire.
- Operators shooting their own hands by holding them too close to the workpiece.
- Self-injury during maintenance if the gun is still connected to its air supply, battery or gas canister, or still loaded.
- A worker deliberately shooting a colleague.
- Accidental contact with someone when the finger is on the trigger while carrying the gun.
Other risks include nails deflecting, splinters or exhaust gas carrying dust towards the face, and high noise levels in some set-ups. Safety mechanisms on the nose of the gun can be defeated, by accident or on purpose.
Controls HSE lists
- Do not modify the gun. Use only manufacturer-approved parts and accessories.
- Never defeat or disconnect safety features.
- Disconnect the air line, remove the battery or gas canister and clear the nails before maintenance.
- Keep fingers off the trigger when carrying the gun.
- Keep hands clear of the workpiece and do not stand in the line of fire.
- Wear eye protection.
- Reduce noise with an enclosure around machine-mounted guns, or upgrade the silencer on mobile pneumatic guns.
Sequential and repeat firing
HSE describes two firing modes. Sequential firing is required for large construction nails: the trigger must be fully released and pulled again before each nail. Repeat cycling means holding the trigger down to fire repeatedly, which HSE says may suit short nails or small staples in thin sheet material or upholstery work. For ordinary site and DIY jobs, use sequential mode.
Training and supervision
HSE says workers need to be trained before operating nail guns, covering correct use and how things can go wrong. Supervision should match each worker's age, experience, ability and attitude, and managers should investigate incidents and near misses. If you hire a tool, ask the hire shop for a demonstration and read the manual before use. A DIYer is not covered by the same workplace rules as an employer, but the risks are exactly the same.
Practical habits
- Wear safety glasses or goggles, plus hearing protection if the job is noisy, and sensible gloves and footwear.
- Secure the workpiece so you do not need to hold it near the nail path.
- Keep your free hand well away from where the nail will come out.
- Never point the gun at anyone, and treat it as loaded whenever it is connected to power.
- Be careful on knots, metal and thin edges where nails can deflect.
- Disconnect power when you put the tool down, change magazine or clear a jam.
The last two are common-sense extras rather than quotes from HSE.
Hire shop and site checks
If you are working on someone else's site or in an occupied home, check for hidden pipes, cables and other people on the far side of the surface you are fixing into. Nails can pass through thin partitions. Plan where the nails will go before you start, and keep others clear of the area.
Where to read more
Read HSE's nail gun page directly (listed below) and your tool's manual. See also jams and maintenance, types of nail gun and hire or buy.
This is general information, not a substitute for the manufacturer's manual or training. Always check the nail sizes and collation your own tool accepts.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need training to use a nail gun?
HSE says workers need training before operating nail guns. Hire shops can also demonstrate.
Should I use sequential or repeat firing?
HSE says sequential firing is required for large construction nails. Repeat cycling may suit short nails or small staples in thin material.
What should I wear?
At least eye protection. Add hearing protection and sturdy gloves and footwear as the job needs.
What do I do before clearing a jam?
Disconnect the air line, remove the battery or gas canister and clear the nails.