We're sorry, but OSHAcademy doesn't work properly without JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript or install a browser that supports Javascript.

611 Nail Gun Safety
Skip to main content

Nail Gun Injuries and Other Hazards

There are several major risk factors that can lead to a nail gun injury including:

  • unintended nail discharge,
  • nails richochet,
  • failure to contact the work surface,
  • penetration through the work surface,
  • nailing in awkward positions
Unintended nail discharges from double fires are common when using contact triggers.

Understanding these hazards will help you to prevent injuries on the jobsite. This module will take a closer look at these important risk factors and hazards.

Double Fire

Unintended nail discharges from double fires usually occurs when using contact firing triggers.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found contact trigger nailers are susceptible to double firing. This occurs a lot when workers are trying to accurately place the nailer against the work piece. Researchers found a second unintended firing can happen faster than the user is able to react and release the trigger.

Double fire can also be a particular problem for new workers who may push harder on the tool to compensate for recoil. It can also happen when the user is in an awkward position, such as tight work spaces, where the gun doesn't have the necessary space to recoil. The recoil of the gun can also cause a non-nail injury in tight spaces if the nail gun hits the user's head or face.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-1. Unintended nail discharges from double fires usually occur when using ________.