G705 Cartridge-Operated Hand Tools

GUIDANCE NOTE Cartridge-Operated Hand Tools Code: G705 Issue: A

INTRODUCTION

Cartridge-operated tools have the advantage of portability, without requiring hoses or cables, and of speed
in operation. However, in the wrong hands they can be lethal. It is essential, therefore, that only fully
trained, certified and competent operators are permitted to operate these tools.

TYPES

There are two main types of cartridge-operated tools:

Direct action (high-velocity). - Where the explosion from the cartridge fires the fastener down the barrel
of the tool into the work (see figure 1).
Indirect action (low-velocity). - Where the explosion from the cartridge acts on a piston, which in turn
drives the fastener into the work (see figure 2).

Direct action tools have a muzzle velocity similar to that of a small firearm and must, therefore, be
handled with the same degree of respect as a firearm. The indirect action tools have a far lower velocity
but this is still sufficient to cause a serious injury.

FIXING DEVICES

Every manufacturer produces a range of fixing devices designed to be used with their particular
equipment. Tools and fixings from different manufacturers are not to be used.

CARTRIDGES

As with the fixing devices, every manufacturer has their own cartridges. The size and colouring of these
cartridges may appear similar but can differ. Therefore, only cartridges designed for a particular
manufacturer's equipment are to be used. The colour coding for the cartridges is available from each
manufacturer and is to be followed.

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G705 Cartridge-Operated Hand Tools

HAZARDS

The following hazards are recognised:

Firing towards personnel as a deliberate act.

Penetrating through the material, where either the material is softer or thinner than expected or the
cartridge used is too strong, injuring people on the other side of the material.
Ricocheting off the material, where the material is of uneven consistency or brittle, causing wounds and
eye injuries.
Flying debris, where the material splinters at the point of impact, causing wounds and eye injuries.
Recoil of the tools, throwing the operator off balance, resulting in injuries from falling.
Noise levels of well above 90dBA, causing potential hearing damage.

PRECAUTIONS

Conduct a noise risk assessment and consider; using alternative methods of fixing, quieter tools,
engineering controls such as acoustic screening, setting up noise exclusion zones.

Personal Protection

Operators and any personnel assisting them should wear:

Eye protection to protect against impact.

Head protection to protect against impact.
Ear protection to protect from the high noise levels.

Guards

Guards of sufficient size and strength to check flying pins and splinters are to be fitted to all cartridge-
operated tools. Equipment from the manufacturers should have this fitted and removal will prevent the
tool from operating.

Where cut-away guards are provided, for work in particularly difficult areas, extra precautions need to be
taken and operators must be made aware of the additional risk, both to themselves and anyone else in the
area.

Guards are always to be held flush to the surface to reduce the danger of fastenings and splinters
escaping. Guards are often spring-loaded to prevent them being used at an angle of more than 7° from
the work surface.

Ricochet

Ricochets occur most frequently when the operator attempts to insert a fastening into a hole already made
by a previous attempt to install a fastening which has failed to hold. With a low-powered tool the fastening
will most probably bend and become wedged in the barrel. However, with a high-powered tool the
fastener can easily be deflected back towards the operator. It is, therefore, essential that any new
fastener should be at least 50mm away from any existing hole.

Splintering

Cartridge-operated tools are not to be used on any brittle or glazed material that is likely to splinter. A
high-powered tool will cause more splintering than a low-powered.

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G705 Cartridge-Operated Hand Tools

Noise

The level of noise varies with each type of tool. However, ear protection should always be worn when
using this type of equipment. Personnel who regularly use this type of equipment should be monitored
under health surveillance.

Recoil

Recoil from the firing can throw an operator off balance. Therefore, these tools should only be used where
the operator has a firm and level area on which to stand; they should never be used from a ladder.

Misfire

Should a misfire occur the firing mechanism should be retriggered with the tool still firmly placed against
the work face. If the tool still fails to fire it should be held against the work face for 30 seconds before
removing it. The operator should remove the cartridge, in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions, and return it to the manufacturer, properly stored in a metal box for disposal.

Flammable Materials

Cartridge-operated tools must never be taken into areas where there is a risk from explosion or fire.

Maintenance

All cartridge-operated tools are to be cleaned and lubricated after every use and returned to the
manufacturer for a thorough overhaul at least once a year.

Cartridge Store

All cartridges are to be kept under lock and key in a secure storage area. They are not to be exposed to
damp or to high temperatures. The issue of cartridges is to be strictly controlled.

TRAINING

Only personnel who have undergone training in the use of cartridge-operated tools and have been
appointed, in writing, shall be permitted to use them. The training is normally supplied by the tool
suppliers and records of training shall be held on site.

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