

Solution: Extension Poles for Powder-Actuated Tools

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	Description:	You work with your arms above your shoulders, an awkward position that may cause sore muscles and joints. Sometimes you have to hold this diffcult position for a long time, or repeat the position over and over during your shift. This can cause fatigue and eventually lead to arm and shoulder problems like bursitis or rotator cuff tendonitis. The photo on the left shows the problem, while the photo on the right illustrates the solution. An extension pole is a fixed height or modular pole attached to the powder-actuated tool. Using the extension, the tool is entirely out of your hand. All you have to do is squeeze the trigger. More Detail
	Risks Addressed:	Working with your arms above your shoulders is an awkward position that may cause sore muscles and joints, result in hand, arm and shoulder injuries, and lead to arm and shoulder problems like bursitis or rotator cuff tendonitis.
	How Risks are Reduced:	Using an extension pole when using a powder-actuated tool for overhead work lets the worker keep a more neutral body posture and reduces the risk of injury because you no longer need to raise your arms above your shoulders and hold them there to work on the ceiling.
	Quality of Evidence (Risk Reduction):	Independent published studies have found a risk reduction. Safety and health experts believe there is a risk reduction.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Risk Reduction):	The extension lets you keep a more neutral body posture. Your arms are closer to your body and below your shoulders. This cuts down on the risk of injury to your shoulders, arms, and hands. There is also less recoil shock directed to your shoulders and neck. In addition, you can work on the ground rather than using a ladder, scaffold, or lift.
	Effects on Productivity:	Productivity may improve when there is less setup time using the tool extension, because there are no are no ladders, scaffolds, or lifts needed.
	Quality of Evidence (Effects on Productivity):	Safety and health experts believe there is an increase in productivity.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Effects on Productivity):	Workers have less chance of developing a shoulder, arm, and hand injury. With the tool attached to the pole, you can keep your arms below your shoulders. You will also feel less recoil shock at your shoulder. Moreover, with the gun further from your head, the noise exposure will be lower. Using the pole will also keep your eyes and face further from the concrete dust and debris. You do still need to look up to position the shot, which puts some strain on your neck.
	Return on Investment:	To calculate the return on investment (ROI) for your specific application, please visit our Return on Investment Calculator. While a specific ROI example has not been developed for this particular solution, the ROI Calculator provides a useful tool and guidance on how to generate your own on investment analysis.
	Availability:	Hilti, USA For purchasing information visit http://www.us.hilti.com or contact 1-800-879-8000 ITW Ramset® Fastening Systems For purchasing information visit http://www.ramset.com/ or contact 1-800-726-7386
	Hazards Addressed:	Residential Construction Install framing and roof trusses Overhead work Install modular or prefabricated components Overhead work
	Sources:	Albers, James T., and Estill, Cheryl F. Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Construction Workers. DHHS(NIOSH) Pub. No. 2007-122. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh. To see other solutions from this NIOSH document, visit: http://www.cpwr.com/simple.html.