Explosive Power Tools Gas and Pneumatic Nail Guns SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers the set-up, operation, isolation and storage of gas and pneumatic nail guns. It supports planning for exclusion zones, tool and hose checks, fastening work, work at height, misfires, fatigue and clean-up.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Review the work scope and area
• Set exclusion zones and manage access
• Inspect nail guns and accessories
• Position compressors and hoses
• Handle gas cells and loads
• Prepare the workpiece and working posture
• Load and connect the nail gun
• Drive nails and staples
• Carry out nail-gun work at height
• Clear jams and misfires
• Manage noise and fatigue
• Isolate, clean, inspect and store equipment

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses using gas or pneumatic nail guns.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations.
• Model Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks (2024) — apply the hierarchy of controls and review controls when conditions change.
• Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks (2018) — nail-gun recoil, high grip force, awkward posture and prolonged tool use can create musculoskeletal risk.
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice — noisy powered tools, pneumatic impact tools and explosive-powered tools require noise-risk assessment and control.
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces — apply where nail-gun work is undertaken at height.
• AS/NZS 1337.1 Eye and face protection for occupational applications; AS/NZS 1270 Acoustics—hearing protectors; AS/NZS 2210.3 Safety footwear; AS/NZS 1801 Occupational protective helmets; AS/NZS 1716 Respiratory protective devices; AS/NZS 3760 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment.
• AS/NZS 3788 Pressure equipment—In-service inspection; ISO 4414 Pneumatic fluid power—General rules and safety requirements for systems and components.
• Follow the current manufacturer operating manual, maintenance instructions and compatible fastener/load schedule for each tool; model Codes and standards are guidance unless adopted or otherwise made applicable in the relevant jurisdiction or contract.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections