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611 Nail Gun Safety
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Bypassing Safety Mechanisms

Modifying tools can create safety hazards for anyone who uses nail guns.

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Bypassing safety mechanisms (e.g., taping triggers or removing springs from safety contacts) is an unsafe practice that can make nail guns hazardous tools that increase the risk of accidental discharge and penetration injuries.

A worker may believe it's more efficient to bypass safety mechanisms, but all it takes is one mistake to eliminate any benefit.

For example, removing the spring from the safety contact tip makes an unintended discharge even more likely.

Nail gun manufacturers strongly recommend against bypassing safety features, and voluntary standards prohibit modifications or tampering. OSHA's Construction Standard at 29 CFR 1926.300(a) requires that all hand tools, power tools, and similar equipment must be maintained in a safe condition. Nail guns that have modified safety mechanisms must be repaired or taken out of service.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-6. Why are bypassing or disabling nail-gun safety mechanisms discouraged by manufacturers?