Product Overview

This Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) provides a detailed framework for the safe use of explosive power tools, gas and pneumatic nail guns, with the primary goal of minimising risk and ensuring WHS compliance on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of explosive power tools and nail gun operations, including planning, setup, operation, maintenance, and emergency response for High Risk Construction Work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Safe selection and pre-start inspection of explosive power tools, gas and pneumatic nail guns for the intended task
• Fuel powered tool safety, including storage, handling and changeover of gas canisters and fuel cells
• Operation of nail guns in timber, steel and masonry, including safe angles, distances and fixing techniques
• Use of gas-powered nailing tools, including ignition systems, ventilation requirements and burn prevention
• Use of pneumatic nail guns, including hose management, compressed air connection and pressure regulation
• Use of electric or pneumatic tools in proximity to other workers, services and sensitive materials
• Use of handheld nail guns and fastener driving tools while maintaining safe body positioning and line of fire control
• Use of high-velocity nail guns and explosive-actuated tools, including exclusion zones and barricading
• Use of pneumatic staple guns, including guarding, trigger control and prevention of ricochet
• Loading, unloading and clearing jams in nail guns and staple guns without exposing workers to unintentional discharge
• Management of noise, vibration and dust generated by nailing and fastening operations
• Selection, use and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as eye, hearing, hand and foot protection
• Safe work around electrical, gas, plumbing and other concealed services when driving fasteners into structures
• Housekeeping, securing of tools when not in use, and safe storage and transport of explosive and gas-powered tools
• Emergency procedures for misfires, accidental discharge, injuries, fire, and reporting of incidents and near misses

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for carpenters, formworkers, steel fixers, framers, shopfitters, construction contractors, maintenance personnel, and site supervisors who use or oversee explosive power tools and nail guns on Australian worksites.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Guidance on controlling noise from nail guns and explosive power tools
• Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for the safe use, inspection and maintenance of nail guns and explosive power tools as plant
• How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks Code of Practice: Risk management framework applied to explosive power tool and nail gun activities
• Construction Work Code of Practice: Controls for nail gun and fastening activities undertaken as part of construction work
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Managing the Risks of Machinery and Equipment: Additional guidance on guarding, isolation and safe operation of powered fastening tools