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Shop & Tool Safety Training: Part VII

Cartridge Operated Tools

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Cartridge Operated Tools

Cartridge Operated Tools

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Are you over 18 years old…?

Do you suffer from Color Blindness…?

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Cartridge Operated Tools

• To use cartridge operated tools you:– Must be ≥ 18 years old– Can NOT be color blind– Must be approved by your supervisor or instructor– Comply with all laws, rules, and regulations

• Always use the strictest caution!– Several deaths and injuries occur each year from unsafe

use of cartridge operated tools

• Always be serious!– These are high risk tools, not toys!

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This lesson will include:

1) The Tool & the Tool box…2) Applications / Base Materials... 3) Cartridges…4) Fixings5) Safe use & Safety Features..6) Practical Use & Misfires...

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The Tool & Box

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Operating Principles..

There are two main types:

Indirect-Acting

A device that uses explosive powder to propel a captive piston against a fastener to drive the fastener into a structural element. In some areas, the generic term “powder actuated tool” is used.

Direct-Acting

With this type of tool, the explosive force of the cartridge acts directly on the fixing (fastener), driving it along the barrel, into the wall or material.

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In the Tool Box..

• The Box.

• The Tool (Not a gun!)

• Spare Piston.

• Spare Buffer.

• Goggles.

• Hearing Protection Devices (HPD).

• Cleaning Kit.

• Oil.

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Tool strip & Maintenance

• 8mm Barrel.

• Body.

• Inspect Piston:- Bent, Chipped hammer.

• Inspect Buffer:- Never Oil.

• Trigger Section:- If fails, return to supplier.

• Clean Carbon.

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• Nose Section:- 5,000 Fires.

• Body Section:- 10,000 Fires.

• Always inspect tool on taking charge from supplier/vender, and BEFORE each use.

• Assemble tool and test fire (unloaded test fire)to hear firing mechanism.

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Base Materials

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Material Result Conclusion

Plaster, Plywood, Lightweight blocks.

Sinks in easily. Too soft.

Marble, some Rock,hardened

steel, weldmetal.

Fixing blunted. Too hard.

Glass, glazedTiles, slates,some cast-iron

Material cracksor shatters. Too brittle.

Sound wood,Concrete, Mildsteel.

Clearimpression offastener point. Suitable.

Base Materials

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Suitable Materials

Concrete

70mm 70mm

100mm / 1 fist

22-32mm

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Steel

20mm 20mm Or a thumb

4 - 6 mm Minimum Thickness

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Brickwork

•Only one fixing per-brick

•Fired into center of brick

•Never in mortar joints

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Cartridges

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CodeNumber

ColourCode

CodeLetter (s)

Strength

2 Brown XL Extra Low

3 Green L Low

4 Yellow LM Low/Medium

5 Blue M Medium

6 Red MH Medium/High

7 Black XH High

Cartridges

Red (MH) cartridges will carry out 95% of all tasks.

Remember: Always conduct a test fire

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Cartridge Safety

• Cartridges should be stored in a strong metal/plastic box.• Box should be locked at all times.

•accessed by Authorized Persons Only (APO).• Record all issues and/or use.• Cartridges must not be sent in the mail.• Cartridges must not be taken on public transport.• Drivers must carry a Material Safety Data Sheet and

mandated shipping papers.• Do not throw cartridges on fires.• Any unused or misfired cartridges should be collected and returned to supplier.

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Fixings(Fasteners)

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Safe use & Safety Features

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Safe Use & Safety Features

Common Safety Features:

• Drop Protection Device

• Cartridge Noise Reduction vents.

• Contact Pressure.

• Protected power regulator.

• Cushioned hand grip.

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Safety checklist

Things to do.

• Always refer to the manufacturer’s instruction manual.

• Inform all persons in the area.

• Ensure that user’s have been trained

• Ensure tool is in good repair.

• Inspect local environment and surroundings.

• Ensure tool is at right angles to fixing surface.

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• Ensure you use the correct fixing, piston, cartridge combination.

• Immediately change/replace a damaged piston.

• Always wear the correct eye-protection and hearing protection.

• Ensure the tool is inspected, cleaned and lubricated after use.

• Keep cartridges not being used in the tool box or container.

• Always conduct a test fire.

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Things NOT to do

• Do not use a suspect tool

• Do not use force when loading cartridges.

• Do not load a cartridge before you need it.

• Do not leave a loaded tool lying about.

• Do not point a tool at persons.

• Do not fix where another fixing has failed.

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• Do not strip a tool down when it is loaded.

• Do not press tool against your hand.

• Do not leave cartridges about job site.

• Do not insert cartridges before the nail or stud is loaded.

• Do not joke, fool about, or wave tool in the air.

Horseplay and/or irresponsible use will result in disciplinary action and/or loss of privileges.

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Practical use

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Practical use & Misfires• Select power setting.

• Load fixing.

• Load cartridge.

• Find a comfortable position.

• Aim on required surface.

• Take up contact pressure.

• Ensure tool is at right angles to target.

• Fire when ready.

• Inspect test fire and then adjust to suit.

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Misfires

If Cartridge does not fire:-

• Release contact pressure without removing nose from surface of target.

• Hold and count to 30 slowly.

• Re-apply pressure and fire, if it fails repeat procedure.

• If Cartridge still will not fire, advance cartridge strip one place and continue.

Thank You

In case of an accident, fill out the Incident Report Form at:

http://engineering.tamu.edu/safety/new/templates/incidentrep.htm

Office of Engineering SafetyWERC Room 245