Accidental Release of the Safety Contact

Nail guns with contact and single actuation triggers will fire if the trigger is being held down and the safety contact tip is accidentally knocked or pushed into an object or person. Contact trigger nailers can release multiple nails, and single actuation trigger nailers can release a single nail.

Because nail guns are relatively heavy tools, construction workers tend to keep a finger on the trigger as it feels more natural to carry them using a full, four-finger grip. However, holding or carrying these nail guns with the trigger held down increases the risk of unintended discharge, and tool manufacturers warn against it.

Please note that unintended discharge, either through double fire or accidental release of the safety contact, is more likely to lead to a hand or arm injury during placement work as opposed to flat work. This is because flatwork, including roofing, sheathing, and subflooring, does not require the lumber to be held in place by hand.

To learn more about Nail Gun Safety visit our Construction Nail Gun Safety Online Training web page.