(1) General.
(a) The tool must be designed to prevent inadvertent actuation.
(b) The tool must be designed to prevent actuation when dropped in any attitude from a height of 3 meters (10 ft) onto a smooth, hard surface such as concrete or steel, if such actuation can propel a fastener or any part thereof in free flight.
(c) Actuation of the tool must be dependent upon at least two separate and distinct operations by the operator, with at least one operation being separate from the operation of holding the tool against the work surface.
(d) The tool must be designed not to be operable other than against a work surface with a force on the work surface equal to 22 newtons (5 lb) greater than the weight of the tool or a minimum impact energy of 4 joules (3 ft-lb).
(e) All tools must be designed so that compatible protective shields or fixtures, designed, built, and supplied by the manufacturer of the tool, can be used (see WAC 296-155-36307 (2)(b), (3)(b), (4)(b) and
296-155-36313(8)).
(f) The tool must be designed so that a determinable means of varying the power levels is available for selecting a power level adequate to perform the desired work (see WAC
296-155-36309(5)).
(g) The tool must be designed so that all principal functional parts can be checked for foreign matter that may affect operation.
(h) The tool must be designed so that all parts will be of adequate strength to resist maximum stresses imposed upon actuation when the tool is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and is powered by any commercially available power load which will properly chamber in the tool.
(i) Each tool must bear a legible permanent model designation, which must serve as a means of identification. Each tool must also bear a legible, permanent manufacturer's unique serial number.
(j) You must provide a lockable container for each tool. The words "powder actuated tool" must appear in plain sight on the outside of the container. The following notice must be attached on the inside cover of the container:
"warning - powder actuated tool. to be used only by a qualified operator and kept under lock and key when not in use."
(k) Each tool must bear a durable warning label with the following statement, or the equivalent:
"warning - for use only by qualified operators according to manufacturer's instruction manual."
(l) Each tool must be supplied with the following:
(i) Operator's instruction and service manual.
(ii) Power load chart.
(iii) Tool inspection record.
(iv) Service tools and accessories.
(m) In determining tool test velocities, you must measure the velocity of the fastener in free flight at a distance of two meters (6-1/2 ft) from the muzzle end of the tool, using accepted ballistic test methods.
(2) Design requirements - Low-velocity class.
(a) Low-velocity tools, indirect-acting (piston) type, as defined in WAC
296-155-36305, must meet the requirements of WAC 296-155-36307(1).
(b) A shield must be supplied with each tool.
(3) Design requirements - Medium-velocity class.
(a) Medium-velocity tools, indirect-acting (piston) type, as defined in WAC
296-155-36305, must meet the requirements of WAC 296-155-36307(1).
(b) The tool must have a shield at least 63 mm (2-1/2 in) in diameter mounted perpendicular to, and concentric with, the muzzle end, when it is indexed to the center position. A special shield or fixture may be used when it provides equivalent protection.
(c) The tool must be designed so that it cannot be actuated unless it is equipped with a shield or fixture.
(d) The tool must be designed with angle control so that it will not actuate when equipped with the standard shield indexed to the center position if the bearing surface of the shield is tilted more than 12 degrees from a flat surface.
(4) Design requirements - High-velocity class.
(a) High-velocity tools, direct-acting or indirect-acting type, as defined in WAC
296-155-36305, must meet the requirements of WAC 296-155-36307(1).
(b) The tool must have a shield at least 88 mm (3-1/2 in) in diameter mounted perpendicular to, and concentric with, the muzzle end, when it is indexed to the center position. A special shield or fixture may be used when it provides equivalent protection.
(c) The tool must be designed so that it cannot be actuated unless it is equipped with a shield or fixture.
(d) The tool must be designed with angle control so that it will not actuate when equipped with the standard shield indexed to the center position, if the bearing surface of the shield is tilted more than 8 degrees from a flat surface.