Struck-By Flying Objects
A hazard created by a flying object exists when something has been thrown, hurled, or is being propelled through space.
It can include instances when a piece of material separates from a tool, machine or other equipment, striking a worker, resulting in injuries or fatalities.
Also, a hazard exists if an object is ejected under power by a tool or equipment. Examples include:
- A nail gun, probably the tool causing the greatest number of serious injuries on the construction site, propels a nail from the gun by force. This force can be either pneumatic or powder-actuated.
- A bench grinder may cause injury when a disintegrating wheel strikes a worker. In Oregon, USA, some years ago, a worker was killed when a chunk of a broken grinder wheel hit his femoral artery in his upper leg.
Powder-actuated tools are particularly hazardous due to the force behind the fastener. These fasteners are designed to go through wood, concrete and steel, and they can certainly go through a worker. To learn more about nail gun safety, see course OSHAcademy course 611 Nail Gun Safety.
Using compressed air can also cause flying object hazards. Compressed air is commonly used to power tools and clean surfaces.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
5-3. Which power tool is most frequently the cause of a serious Struck-by injury or fatality?
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