Sections of the construction industry are still unaware of the latest European health and safety requirements for hand-held non-electric power tools, according to BeA Fastening Systems Ltd.
The introduction of EN 792-13 in 2001 allows only pneumatic tools with single sequential or full sequential shot mechanisms to be used in conjunction with ladders, scaffolding, staircases, mezzanine floors and ladder-like constructions.
Brian Lund, the Yorkshire company’s national sales manager, says many companies he visits are either unaware of the legislation or find it confusing and difficult to interpret.
Ways of meeting the legislation include outsourcing work involving use of fastener driving; supplying components ready assembled; or purchasing new pneumatic tools already in compliance.
But Mr Lund says an easier method is the supply of conversion kits, which take only a few minutes for trained engineers to put in place.
Part 13 also requires all tools, including contact and continuous contact actuation equipment, to be upgraded with a conversion kit to ensure the safety yoke in all positions reliably returns to its starting point.
