Operators of powder actuated tools must be trained by instructors who are certified in the tools' use and storage. These tools pose an inherent danger beyond that of standard power tools because percussion charges shoot fasteners into concrete or steel.

Distributor personnel can offer customers significant service value by becoming certified and offering training to customers on all facets of use and care of powder actuated fastening systems. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration can advise distributors about the training needed to become certified.

To help further this procedure, the Powder Actuated Tool Manufacturers' Institute, Inc. completed the text of a new training manual and drafted a "powder load standard" for dimensions, explosive power, identification, primer sensitivity, velocity testing, and other specifications.

The new standard is in the "comment period," part of the procedure for formal material standard approval, according to Jim Borchers, an attorney and secretary of PATMI. Inaccurate or incomplete information is often disseminated about the tools and powder loads. In the case of percussion fastening, having incomplete or wrong information can be dangerous.

His office, he said, likes to review material written on the safety and use of PAT products whenever possible.

"It's difficult to write a safety article in a short format that has enough information for the user. Usually, the article misses a lot of critical things. I read an article for submission to see if it is general enough as written," Borchers said.

The new standard will include new industry best practices and manufacturing methods.

The PATMI training manual is considered the industry's basic text and includes input from the seven member manufacturers, he said. It is aimed at associate members of the organization or anyone who stocks and sells expendable powder actuated tools, loads and accessories.

Operator safety is PATMI's primary goal. The manual includes the basic types of fasteners and powder loads, explains the industry-accepted color coding system and describes proper installation of fasteners in various materials.

The manual outlines the general safety precautions for all operators, and lists qualifications to get a license. According to the manual, tool operators must:

• Read and understand the manufacturer's instructions
• Receive hands-on training from an authorized instructor
• Successfully complete a written examination provided by the tool manufacturer
• Receive special instruction if unable to distinguish colors used in the color coding system of power load levels.

The revised manual will be ready this winter, Borchers said.