1926.302(b)(3): Safety Devices on Pneumatic Nailers and Staplers
Employers must make sure pneumatic nailers, staplers and similar tools with automatic fastener feed that operate at more than 100 p.s.i. at the tool have a muzzle safety device. The device must keep the tool from ejecting fasteners unless the muzzle is in contact with the work surface.
Key takeaways
- 1926.302(b)(3) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 103 times in the last 3 years, in 103 inspections, with $126,537 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (95), NC (5), GA (1).
- Related part: 1926.302(b) Pneumatic power tools (122 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.302(b)(3) is one requirement inside 1926.302 Power-operated hand tools, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart I). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(3) All pneumatically driven nailers, staplers, and other similar equipment provided with automatic fastener feed, which operate at more than 100 p.s.i. pressure at the tool shall have a safety device on the muzzle to prevent the tool from ejecting fasteners, unless the muzzle is in contact with the work surface. 103 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.302.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.302(b)(3).
At 11:06 a.m. on December 13, 2024, an employee working as a construction laborer for a roofing contractor was installing shingles on a decorative eye brow roof. The employee was working from a height of 27 feet from a Werner 40-foot aluminum extension ladder. A…
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 52 |
| 2026 | 17 |
Top states: MD (95), NC (5), GA (1), CO (1), NY (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| WANCL FRAMING & CONTRACTOR LLC | ITHACA, NY | $5,958 |
| ODI CONSTRUCTION, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY | WOODSBORO, MD | $4,800 |
| JOSE VIDAL CRUZ SARAVIA | UPPER MARLBORO, MD | $4,800 |
| JSA SIDING LLC | ARVADA, CO | $4,256 |
| ODI CONSTRUCTION, LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY | FREDERICK, MD | $4,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.302(b)(3), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.302(b) Pneumatic power tools 122 citations
- 1926.302(b)(5) 7 citations
- 1926.302(b)(4) 5 citations
- 1926.302(b)(1) 1 citations
- 1926.302(b)(10) Abrasive blast cleaning nozzles 1 citations
- 1926.302(b)(7)
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Frequently asked questions
Which tools need a muzzle safety device?
Pneumatically driven nailers, staplers and similar equipment with automatic fastener feed that operate at more than 100 p.s.i. pressure at the tool.
What does the safety device do?
It prevents the tool from ejecting fasteners unless the muzzle is in contact with the work surface.
Where is the pressure measured?
At the tool.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.302 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.