Drill Holes and Shoot Fasteners
Table of Contents
Information on this page is drawn from "Proceedings of a Meeting to Explore the use of Ergonomics Interventions for the Mechanical and Electrical Trades" published by NIOSH
Drill Holes and Shoot Fasteners
Rotary hammer-drills are used to drill mounting holes for fasteners into concrete or metal (e.g., ceilings, walls, and metal beams) for mechanical or electrical system hangers and equipment. Fasteners are shot directly into concrete or metal using a powder-actuated tool (PAT).
- Risk factors for WMSDs identified for the task are task frequency (e.g., number of fasteners specified), physical exertion, repeated and sustained non-neutral postures, tool reaction forces (e.g., vibration, torque, and impact), and contact stress.
- Body regions identified to be at risk of developing WMSDs are the neck and back, shoulders, upper extremities, and knees.
- Variable conditions that can modify the actual hazard are the work location (e.g., ceiling, floor); substrate; tool type, age, and maintenance; characteristics of the job (e.g., number of holes, etc.); and site management (e.g., planning and communication).
- Engineering interventions in use include ergonomically improved tools (e.g., strip trigger, balanced, low vibration, and clutch driven), extension pole for PATs, and mechanical lifts for overhead work. One available upstream design improvement identified was embedded concrete inserts to eliminate the need for drilling holes or shooting fasteners.
- Additional interventions discussed include improved tool design and the development of an adjustable stand to hold and advance a rotary drill during overhead drilling.