Handling Powder Actuated Tools (PATs) Safely Fatality File

Employee Injured When Hand Shot By Powder-Actuated Nailer

Employee #1, a carpenter and drywall installer for Rice Drywall, Inc., was framing at a Marriott hotel undergoing renovations in Culver City, CA. He was using a Ramset model 721 powder-actuated tool, and 1-1/4 in. pins to attach studs to the deck to support soffits that were to be installed. The tool misfired, and Employee #1 tried to activate it two more times. He had put his hand in front of the barrel of the tool while trying to troubleshoot the problem when the tool activated, shooting a pin into his lower palm. Employee #1 was transported to UCLA Hospital, where he underwent surgery and was released the same day.

Employee Shoots Self In Hand With Powder-Actuated Gun

Employee #1 was loading a fastener for attaching metal decking to metal beams into a Hilti DX 350 powder-actuated gun. He was putting the gun into the left side pouch on his belt when it went off, hitting the palm of his left hand and fracturing bones in his index finger. Employee #1 was taken to Sierra Vista Hospital, where he stayed for seven hours. The employer was cited for failing to report the accident. A citation was also issued for loading the gun too soon and for the employee having his hand near the barrel end of the gun. The gun had a safety device on it and was tested by a Hilti representative within two hours of the accident and was found to be in good working condition.