1926.302(e): Safe Use of Powder-Actuated Tools
Employers must allow only employees trained on the specific tool to run a powder-actuated tool, test it each day before loading, and pull defective tools from service. Tools must not be loaded until just before firing, pointed at anyone, left loaded and unattended, used in explosive or flammable atmospheres, or fired into very hard, brittle or easily penetrated materials.
Key takeaways
- 1926.302(e) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 15 times in the last 3 years, in 12 inspections, with $24,242 in current penalties.
- Most citations: MD (9), TX (2), AZ (1).
- Related part: 1926.302(e)(6) (6 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.302(e) ("Powder-actuated tools") is one requirement inside 1926.302 Power-operated hand tools, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart I). It includes 12 sub-paragraphs. 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
(e) Powder-actuated tools. 15 citations
(1) Only employees who have been trained in the operation of the particular tool in use shall be allowed to operate a powder-actuated tool. Open (e)(1) 4 citations
(2) The tool shall be tested each day before loading to see that safety devices are in proper working condition. The method of testing shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended procedure.
(3) Any tool found not in proper working order, or that develops a defect during use, shall be immediately removed from service and not used until properly repaired. 2 citations
(4) Personal protective equipment shall be in accordance with subpart E of this part.
(5) Tools shall not be loaded until just prior to the intended firing time. Neither loaded nor empty tools are to be pointed at any employees. Hands shall be kept clear of the open barrel end. Open (e)(5)
(6) Loaded tools shall not be left unattended. Open (e)(6) 6 citations
(7) Fasteners shall not be driven into very hard or brittle materials including, but not limited to, cast iron, glazed tile, surface-hardened steel, glass block, live rock, face brick, or hollow tile. Open (e)(7)
(8) Driving into materials easily penetrated shall be avoided unless such materials are backed by a substance that will prevent the pin or fastener from passing completely through and creating a flying missile hazard on the other side.
(9) No fastener shall be driven into a spalled area caused by an unsatisfactory fastening.
(10) Tools shall not be used in an explosive or flammable atmosphere.
(11) All tools shall be used with the correct shield, guard, or attachment recommended by the manufacturer. 3 citations
(12) Powder-actuated tools used by employees shall meet all other applicable requirements of American National Standards Institute, A10.3-1970, Safety Requirements for Explosive-Actuated Fastening Tools.
[44 FR 8577, Feb. 9, 1979; 44 FR 20940, Apr. 6, 1979, as amended at 58 FR 35175, June 30, 1993]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.302.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Top states: MD (9), TX (2), AZ (1), UT (1), PR (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LEGACY SITEWORK LLC | SAN ANTONIO, TX | $5,531 |
| SECOND BASE, LLC | CANOVANAS, PR | $3,500 |
| PPX2023XJW184X0013 - DESIGNING COMMERCIAL INTERIORS, INC. | MESA, AZ | $3,349 |
| FINE FINISH CARPENTRY, LLC | SALT LAKE, UT | $2,800 |
| CT FLOORS & REMODELING LLC | EAST HARTFORD, CT | $2,412 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.302(e), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Training requirements for powder-actuated tools under §1926.302(e). (2006-03-10)
- Whether gas-actuated fastening tools require the same individual training for each model as powder-actuated fastening tools. (2005-12-21)
- Requirements for leaving construction equipment and powder-actuated tools unattended on a construction building site; impalement protection from reinforcing steel for masonry workers on a scaffold. (2005-05-11)
- Interpretation on the use of power activated fasteners being driven into ductile cast iron ingot molds. (1979-07-25)
- When magazine-fed tools are inspected, the tool is not considered loaded until the magazine feeds the tool. (1975-09-02)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.302(e)(6) 6 citations
- 1926.302(e)(1) 4 citations
- 1926.302(e)(5)
- 1926.302(e)(7)
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
Who can operate a powder-actuated tool?
Only employees trained in the operation of the particular tool in use.
When must the tool be tested?
Each day before loading, following the manufacturer's recommended procedure.
Can I leave a loaded tool on the deck while I grab fasteners?
No. Loaded tools shall not be left unattended.
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 2026-10-19
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.