A trade association representing manufacturers of nailing tools and fasteners revised a safety standard. The changes, which apply to tools manufactured after May 1, 2003, include recommendations for six messages to be included on tools as well as three standardized safety symbols. One of the most significant changes in the new standard adopted by the International Staple, Nail and Tool Association deals with new actuation systems for power nailing tools. However, coil nailers, which are used in assembling pallets and containers, are excepted from the from the new standard, so it is not expected to impact the pallet industry. The new standard requires six specific messages concerning: • reading and understanding tool labels and manuals; • wearing eye protection; • keeping finger off trigger when not driving fasteners; • choosing the right triggering method; • never pointing the tool at anyone; • and never using oxygen or reactive gasses to power these tools. The revised standard also requires inclusion of three symbols. The ‘mandatory action symbol’ indicates the operator must read the tool manual. A second ‘mandatory action symbol’ indicates that eye protection is necessary when using the tool. A ‘hazard alert symbol’ indicates the possibility that tools could cause personal injury. The most significant change in the standard, which is voluntary, will be that tools will be sold mainly with sequential actuation systems or variations; such systems require the tool’s operating controls to be activated in a certain sequence in order for a tool to drive a fastener. However, coil nailers, commonly used in the pallet industry, are excepted; they may be equipped with contact trip actuation and still meet the standard’s requirements. The new standard, which replaces a 1993 standard, was developed by consensus process involving a broad cross-section of interested parties. Some of the parties involved included tool manufacturers, the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association, the Power Tool Institute, the National Safety Council, and the AFL-CIO Building Trades Department. The association also offers safety information to companies, workers and trainers. For example, ISANTA offers a 15-minute VHS safety video titled, ‘Power Fastening Safety and You: A Partnership.” Additional materials are available to assist trainers in developing training sessions that are based on the video. To contact ISANTA for information about the safety standard of safety materials, call (708) 482-8138, e-mail isanta@ameritech.net, or visit the Web site at www.isanta.org.
