{"data":{"id":"us-nyc/n.y.c.-admin.-code-bc-3311","jurisdiction":"us-nyc","citation":"N.Y.C. Admin. Code § BC 3311","heading":"Section BC 3311: Explosive Powered and Projectile Tools","body":"3311.1 Scope.\n\nExplosive powered tools, including but not limited to powder-actuated tools and projectile tools, used in connection with the construction or demolition of a building or structure shall be in accordance with the requirements of this section.\n\n3311.2 Projectile tools.\n\nProjectile tools shall comply with the requirements of Sections 3311.2.1 through 3311.2.3.\n\n3311.2.1 Basic requirements.\n\nDesign and construction of the tool must be such as to safely retain all internal pressures that may occur during its operation. The discharge mechanism shall be such that the projectile cannot be discharged by dropping the tool. The discharge mechanism shall be such that the discharge of each projectile shall be dependent on a separate and distinct act by the operator, and all safety features shall be durable. A tool shall have such other characteristics as the commissioner may find necessary. Such other characteristics may include devices and materials external to the tool itself but associated with its function, and may also include, in respect to high velocity projectile tools, the basic requirements set forth above for explosive powered tools that discharge projectiles with comparable velocities.\n\n3311.2.2 Maintenance.\n\nEvery projectile tool shall be properly maintained. No such tool shall be used if any part necessary to retain internal pressures or to prevent accidental discharge of a projectile is not in sound and operable condition.\n\n3311.2.3 Operation.\n\nThe operation of projectile tools shall comply with the following:\n\n1. A projectile tool shall be operated only by an authorized operator who shall be the owner, lessee, or other person having custody of the tool, or any other person whom he or she may authorize to operate it.\n\n2. While a projectile tool is in the care and custody of an authorized operator, no other person shall handle or in any way utilize or modify it.\n\n3. No authorized operator of a projectile tool shall leave it unattended while it is in a condition to discharge a projectile.\n\n4. No person shall use a projectile tool for any purpose other than that for which it was manufactured.\n\n5. No person shall point a projectile tool at another person or hold it at an angle that allows the projectile to fly free.\n\n6. No person shall use a projectile tool in such a way as to endanger persons who may be in the vicinity.\n\n3311.3 Explosive powered tools.\n\nThe provisions of ANSI A10.3, as modified in Section 3311.4, shall apply to explosive powered tools, including but not limited to powder-actuated tools. The storage, handling and use of explosives shall also comply with the New York City Fire Code and Section 3307.4.2.\n\n3311.4 Modifications to ANSI A10.3.\n\nThe text of ANSI A10.3 shall be modified as indicated in Sections 3311.4.1 through 3311.4.12.\n\n3311.4.1 ANSI A10.3, Section 4.2.2.\n\nDelete Sections 4.2.2.2, 4.2.2.3 and 4.2.2.4 in their entirety and modify Section 4.2.2.1 to read as follows:\n\n4.2.2.1 Medium-velocity tools, indirect-acting (piston) type, as defined in Section 3, shall not be used.\n\n3311.4.2 ANSI A10.3, Section 4.2.3.\n\nDelete Sections 4.2.3.2, 4.2.3.3 and 4.2.3.4 in their entirety and modify Section 4.2.3.1 to read as follows:\n\n4.2.3.1 High velocity tools, direct-acting or indirect-acting type, as defined in Section 3, shall not be used.\n\n3311.4.3 ANSI A10.3, Section 4.3.\n\nDelete Section 4.3 in its entirety.\n\n3311.4.4 ANSI A10.3, Section 5.5.\n\nAdd a new section 5.5 to read as follows:\n\n5.5 Selection of load. No employer shall knowingly furnish to an employee for use in a tool any cartridge or load not suitable for safe use in that tool, whether by reason of excessive power, improper design or poor material. The operator shall use due care to select the proper cartridges or power loads, or other means of controlling the force of the explosion so that the tool develops no more than the necessary pressure to bring about the desired penetration. In doing so, the operator shall be guided by the manufacturer's specifications.\n\n5.5.1 Proper load. When doubt exists as to proper load, the operator shall make a trial shot to test the surface and the strength of the material to be penetrated. The trial shot shall be made with the lowest power level and then increasing strength until a proper fastening is made. During this test, the operator and all bystanders shall adhere to all safety rules including but not limited to, wearing goggles and hard hats required for the job.\n\n3311.4.5 ANSI A10.3, Section 7.9.\n\nAdd the following sentence at the beginning of Section 7.9:\n\n7.9 The operator shall always verify the thickness and type of material into which the stud, pin or fastener is to be driven.\n\n3311.4.6 ANSI A10.3, Section 9.4.\n\nAdd a new section 9.4 to read as follows:\n\n9.4 Storage of power loads shall be in accordance with the requirements of the New York City Fire Code and regulations of the Fire Department.\n\n3311.4.7 ANSI A10.3, Section 10.3.1.\n\nAdd a new Section 10.3.1 to read as follows:\n\n10.3.1 The authorized instructors' card shall list the specific models of powder actuated tools for which training may be given.\n\n3311.4.8 ANSI A10.3, Section 10.6.\n\nAdd a new section 10.6 to read as follows:\n\n10.6 All authorized instructors shall hold a Certificate of Fitness issued by the Fire Department.\n\n3311.4.9 ANSI A10.3, Section 11.4.1.\n\nAdd a new section 11.4.1 to read as follows:\n\n11.4.1 The qualified operator's card shall list the specific models of powder actuated tools that may be used.\n\n3311.4.10 ANSI A10.3, Section 11.6.\n\nAdd a new Section 11.6 to read as follows:\n\n11.6 All qualified operators shall hold a Certificate of Fitness issued by the Fire Department.\n\n3311.4.11 ANSI A10.3, Section 12.\n\nDelete Section 12 in its entirety and add a new Section 12 to read as follows:\n\n12 Equipment acceptance.\n\n12.1 Powder-actuated tools using ammunition (power loads) shall be approved by the commissioner or other approved agency.\n\n12.2 Labeling. A certificate or label indicating that the tool is approved shall be attached to the toolbox or operator's manual and shall be made available for inspection upon request of the commissioner.\n\n3311.4.12 ANSI A10.3, Section 13.\n\nAdd a new Section 13 to read as follows:\n\n13 Fire Department requirements.\n\n13.1 The requirements of the New York City Fire Code and regulations of the Fire Department shall apply.","path":["New York City Administrative Code","Title 28","Chapter 7: New York City Building Code"],"source_url":"https://files.amlegal.com/pdffiles/NewYorkCity/Admin/XML.zip","current_through":"Local Law 2026/135 (enacted August 31, 2026)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-06T02:48:57Z","sha256":"5387f497b7734b496a9b3530dae5bed7b0285e3038004ad78fdaa0400128642f","source_id":"us-nyc","stale":false,"prev":"us-nyc/n.y.c.-admin.-code-bc-3310","next":"us-nyc/n.y.c.-admin.-code-bc-3312"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}