OSHA Defense

Understanding the Various Types of Nail Gun Triggers Part 2 featured image

Understanding the Various Types of Nail Gun Triggers Part 2

How well do you and your workers know the different types of nail gun triggers? In part one of this three-part series, our OSHA attorneys discussed some shocking statistics related to nail gun injuries and explained one common type of trigger, the full sequential trigger. Now, we will discuss two other types: contract triggers and single sequential triggers. Remember, for all of your construction-related legal needs, including defense against the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), consult the OSHA attorneys at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants. 

Contact Trigger

Unlike a full sequential trigger, which requires the operator to engage the safety contact before the trigger can be activated, a contact trigger fires a nail when the safety contact and trigger are activated regardless of the order. In other words, the user can push the safety contact tip first and then squeeze the trigger, or vice-versa. If the operator continues to squeeze the trigger, a nail will be discharged every time the safety contact is pushed in. 

With a contact trigger, every nail can be bump fired, which is why this type of trigger is also referred to as a bump trigger, multi-shot trigger, successive trigger, dual-action, touch trip, contact trip, and bottom fire. Bump firing, or bounce nailing, is a technique wherein a nail gun with a contact trigger is squeezed and held while the nail gun is bumped (or bounced) along the workpiece to continuously discharge nails. One of the drawbacks of a contact trigger is unintentional double firing, which the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has red flagged as a potential cause of injury. Double fire generally occurs when the operator pushes too hard on the tool to mitigate recoil. This can also occur in cramped spaces that limit recoil.

Single Sequential Trigger

Similar to the full sequential trigger we discussed in part one, a single sequential trigger can only discharge a nail after the safety contact tip has been pressed into the workpiece. However, a single sequential trigger differs because a second nail can be fired by simply releasing the trigger and squeezing it again. The safety contact tip doesn’t have to be removed from the workpiece prior to firing. Single sequential triggers cannot bump fire nails. Like full sequential triggers, single sequential triggers are relatively safe when utilized correctly, but accidents can still leave your workers injured if they aren’t trained to operate them safely. If you have received a citation from OSHA, consult our OSHA lawyers to learn how you can protect your ongoing projects and avoid setbacks.

To learn more about the various types of nail gun triggers, read part three.

If you would like to speak with one of our OSHA lawyers, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.