On many of our jobs we use powder actuated tools, also known as Hilti guns or shotguns. These tools are a type of nail gun used in construction and manufacturing to join materials to hard substrates such as steel and concrete. We typically use them when placing track on our commercial job sites.
You may recall a similar toolbox talk we had back in October of 2019 regarding powder actuated tools. It focused on the training required to operate a Hilti gun and the precautions that should be taken. Remember, Hilti guns should be treated like a real gun, so handle it with extreme care and precaution. Always wear proper PPE, ensure the muzzle end of the tool has a protective shield centered perpendicular to the barrel to stop flying fragments, be sure to choose the correct cartridge for the fastener being used. You must be certified to operate a Hilti gun! If you are not certified, please speak with your foreman immediately.
A big problem we’ve had with these Hilti guns is proper disposal of the cartridges. Attached is a video directly from Hilti on proper disposal of these cartridges. Please take the time to watch this video now (2:30 minutes).
So, what are the steps we follow for proper disposal of Hilti shots?
Here at Berg, we follow the exact directions from the manufacturer on proper disposal of these cartridges. Unfired cartridges should be fired FIRST and if they do NOT fire, we then place them in the labelled 5-gallon bucket. Every major jobsite should have a 5-gallon bucket that is labelled as “powder actuated only”. Please try to follow these steps because once a bucket is full, your safety manager has to dispose of them at a hazardous waste facility and it isn’t cheap! Like the video stated, OSHA may fine of us for leaving shots on the ground. So, if we find unfired shots laying inside a lift, atop scaffold or on the floor in a worker’s area, you will receive a write up.
Let’s do our best to be proactive and conscious with our fired and unfired Hilti cartridges!