Nail Gun (Cordless) Risk Assessment

Nail Gun and Safe Operating procedure
This risk assessment and safe operating procedure for a Nail Gun will greatly increase your chance of winning business tenders as well as ensure the safety of those using the equipment. It has been written by qualified health and safety professionals.
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Conducting a risk assessment for a Nail Gun can seem like a confusing task. It’s something people often find, difficult, complicated and time consuming to complete. This does not need to be the case. Download this detailed risk assessment and safe operating procedures and instantly: Recognise hazards and create awareness of the necessary controls and PPE required to eliminate or reduce hazards to your staff and anyone in the environment. This file contains:
- a detailed and mostly completed risk assessment which you can swiftly edit to suit your workplace needs,
- a detailed safe operating procedure outlining the step-by-step processes that must be taken to carry out when using a Nail Gun.
Department.
Description of Activity*
A nail gun is a pneumatic (air pressure operated) tool that shoots nails into wood to join pieces of wood together. It is used in building and construction.
Areas in which activity takes
Who is at Risk
Minimum Level of training or qualifications required
Only competent and authorised personnel are permitted to use nail guns.
Explanation Video
Disclaimer

This sample template is provided 'as is' and Risk Assessment.live excludes all represenatations, warranties, obligations and liabilities to the template to the maximum extent permitted by law. Risk Assessment.live is not liable fo an errors or omissions in the template and shall not be liable for any loss, injury or damage of any kind caused by its use. Use of the template is entirely at the risk of the User and should you wish to do so then independent legal advice should be sought before use.
IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Striking injuries 1)
Hazardous Event
Discharged nails may come into contact with the operator or another person if the nail gun is used incorrectly.

Existing controls to reduce the Risk
The operator must read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions before the nail gun is used.

Carry out a visual check of the gun before work begins

Set up a safe exclusion zone around the nailing operation.
Advise any others on site a nail gun is being used.

Ensure anyone working within the immediate work area wears eye / hearing protection, protective footwear and other PPE as required by the gun manufacturer’s instructions

Use only new nails / nails suitable for the gun / task
(Minimum Controls always in place)

Existing Risk Rating*

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Addtional controls to further reduce risk to an acceptable level
Maintenance and servicing details must be documented. Only the servicing/maintenance stated in the manufacturer’s instructions can be carried out. Any additional maintenance must be carried out by an authorised servicing provider. Place warning signage I the area to alert others that` nailing is in progress. Where possible assign other workers work well away from the operation, i.e., where there is a high volume of people passing the work area (public footpath) Never leave the nail gun unattended.

Residual Risk Rating*

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IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Striking Injuries 2)
Hazardous Event
There is a risk of nails penetrating the operator’s body by direct contact with the muzzle of a loaded gun or by deflection, or when skewing off a hard surface and through soft or thin material.
Existing controls to reduce the Risk
Do not use the nail gun in awkward places / body positions or above the shoulder line Keep hands clear of muzzle at all times when fastening wood. Keep all body parts out of the line of fire Hold the nail gun in way that avoids recoil - take additional care on stairs, ladders, roofs etc. Nail guns must be completely reassembled after testing /maintenance and before test firing / normal use (Minimum Controls always in place)

Existing Risk Rating*

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Addtional controls to further reduce risk to an acceptable level
Ensure nail gun is positioned against the object to be nailed, not fired into the air. Never carry the nail gun with the trigger depressed. Never point the nail gun at your own, or anyone else’s body. Remove the fuel cell and battery when the tool is not in use. Regular maintenance, lubrication and pre-use checks are mandatory. Nail guns must be unloaded and safely locked away when work is completed

Residual Risk Rating*

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Rating
IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Noise)
Hazardous Event
Nail gun emits impact noise.
Existing controls to reduce the Risk
Ensure that hearing protection is worn, if above 80dB(A) by the operator or if using the nail gun for extended periods of time. Supervisors inform users about the risks from noise. (Minimum Controls always in place)

Existing Risk Rating*

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Addtional controls to further reduce risk to an acceptable level
Advise nearby people of the hazards. Be aware of any nearby animals/wild life and the effects of noise.

Residual Risk Rating*

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IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Vibration)
Hazardous Event
The operator could be exposed to hand and arm vibration, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as a result of vibration generated when operating this equipment
Existing controls to reduce the Risk
Adequate supervision is provided where appropriate. Exposure time within set limits. Operator to report any health problems / symptoms to your line manager. Mandatory use of appropriate PPE (e.g., gloves) especially in cold weather. (Minimum Controls always in place)

Existing Risk Rating*

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Addtional controls to further reduce risk to an acceptable level
Operator to take regular breaks from continuous operations. Complete personal exposure log as required. Conduct periodic maintenance of the nail gun to ensure its smooth operation and less vibration.

Residual Risk Rating*

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IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Fire/ burns/ explosion/ electrocution)
Hazardous Event
Working in or near a flammable atmosphere or materials. Accidental contact with buried services (Electricity, Gas, Water).
Existing controls to reduce the Risk
Do not operate in a flammable atmosphere or close to flammable materials. Ensure there are no hidden/buried hazards such as electrical, gas or water etc. (Minimum Controls always in place)

Existing Risk Rating*

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Addtional controls to further reduce risk to an acceptable level
Do not smoke when handling the fuel cell. Store the fuel cell is as described in manufacturer’s instructions and within prescribed temperature limits. Check condition of battery before use.

Residual Risk Rating*

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Rating
IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Inhalation of fumes/ dust)
Hazardous Event
Possible respiratory problems
Existing controls to reduce the Risk
Check that the surface to be penetrated is not asbestos. Use the gun only in well ventilated place. (Minimum Controls always in place)

Existing Risk Rating*

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Addtional controls to further reduce risk to an acceptable level
Use a dust mask (check for fit). Wear close-fitting safety goggles. Clean work area regularly (e.g. sweep, vacuum, wash down).

Residual Risk Rating*

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IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Manual Handling)
Hazardous Event
Injury from handling long / heavy lengths of timber or other materials resulting in: sprains & strains, torn ligaments, spinal damage
Existing controls to reduce the Risk
Operator to request assistance from other trained persons where required – assistant will work under the instruction of the operator who will inform them of the hazards and safe operating procedures. (Minimum Controls always in place)

Existing Risk Rating*

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Addtional controls to further reduce risk to an acceptable level
Take regular breaks and rotate tasks to avoid repetitive strain injury. Ensure there is adequate room to do the job. Minimise the time individuals use heavy equipment (e.g. job rotation).

Residual Risk Rating*

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Rating
IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Slips, trips & falls)
Hazardous Event
Poor housekeeping practices allowing the build-up of waste materials or failure to immediately clean up spills could result in a slip hazard.
Existing controls to reduce the Risk
Wear suitable footwear for weather & ground conditions. Plan safe access and egress to / from the work site. Clear the area of any removable slip / trip hazards before work begins and as work proceeds. All work should be from a suitable and stable work platform. Not from ladders(Minimum Controls always in place)

Existing Risk Rating*

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Addtional controls to further reduce risk to an acceptable level
Mark out the area, use signage on any obvious slip / trip hazards that cannot be removed. Designate an area to store for tools / equipment & waste. Ensure appropriate cleaning and housekeeping practices are maintained to minimise the risk of a slip, trip or fall.

Residual Risk Rating*

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Rating
IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Adverse weather)
Hazardous Event
Heat stress, hypothermia, wet conditions or windy conditions which may lead to an increased risk of accidents.
Existing controls to reduce the Risk
Wear suitable clothing for variable conditions Do not use the nail gun in the rain or where excessive moisture is present Stop activity in high winds or extreme / hazardous weather(Minimum Controls always in place)

Existing Risk Rating*

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Addtional controls to further reduce risk to an acceptable level

Residual Risk Rating*

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IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Battery)
Hazardous Event
Rechargeable batteries in cordless tools may contain toxic chemicals- Fire or explosion risk in flammable atmosphere
Existing controls to reduce the Risk
Check condition of battery before use. Do not use heat generating equipment without Hot Work Permit. Do not work near flammables, compressed gases, in explosive atmospheres or confined spaces without specialist advice.(Minimum Controls always in place)

Existing Risk Rating*

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Addtional controls to further reduce risk to an acceptable level
Check with Supervisor before using flammable fuel or gas driven equipment.

Residual Risk Rating*

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IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Electricity)
Hazardous Event
Electricity even at low voltage can cause shock.
Existing controls to reduce the Risk
Check condition of battery before use. Check for hidden/buried cables / nails before drilling etc. Do not work where water is present without specialist advice. Periodically test all portable electrical hand tools.(Minimum Controls always in place)

Existing Risk Rating*

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Addtional controls to further reduce risk to an acceptable level

Residual Risk Rating*

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IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD
Hazardous Event
Existing controls to reduce the Risk
(Minimum Controls always in place)

Existing Risk Rating

Rows	PROBABILITY	SEVERITY	RATING

Rating
Addtional controls to further reduce risk to an acceptable level

Residual Risk Rating

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IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD
Hazardous Event
Existing controls to reduce the Risk
(Minimum Controls always in place)

Existing Risk Rating

Rows	PROBABILITY	SEVERITY	RATING

Rating
Addtional controls to further reduce risk to an acceptable level

Residual Risk Rating

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SELECTION AND USE OF PPE
PPE Symbols*

PPE Requirements

Rows	NOTES
SAFETY BOOTS
HI-VIZ JACKET
EYE PROTECTION
EAR PROTECTION
HAND PROTECTION
PROTECTION WEAR
FACE MASK

Related Risk assessments
Related COSHH Assessments
Reference and guidance
- Health & Safety at Works Act 1974
- Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1992
- The Provision and use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992
- Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
- Approved Code of Practice
- Safe Operating Procedures (Operators Manual)
- Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1993
- Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992
- Introduction to woodcutting - Nail guns (hse.gov.uk)
The assessment must now be signed and dated by the person carrying out (or leading) the assessment.
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Nail Gun and Safe Operating procedure

Disclaimer

IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Striking injuries 1)

IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Striking Injuries 2)

IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Noise)

IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Vibration)

IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Fire/ burns/ explosion/ electrocution)

IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Inhalation of fumes/ dust)

IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Manual Handling)

IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Slips, trips & falls)

IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Adverse weather)

IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Battery)

IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARD (Electricity)

SELECTION AND USE OF PPE

The assessment must now be signed and dated by the person carrying out (or leading) the assessment.