7
PI-078
June 2021
for the operating pressure.
3. Prior to use, thoroughly check control gun or control device for
smooth and proper operation. Control guns and control devices should
also be checked for proper operation before each operating shift. Do not
use any control gun or control device that has not been checked before
your operating shift.
4. A control gun operator using a hand-held gun should position and
brace his body for the gun’s rearward reaction force before depress-
ing gun trigger. Gun’s rearward reaction should be a maximum force of
40 to 50 lbs. (or 1/3 body weight of operator.) The control gun operator
should maintain firm, solid footing to counter gun’s rearward reaction.
5. The use of a Safety Shroud and a Safety Whip Hose with handheld
control guns is strongly recommended for additional operator protection
against a burst occurring in the high pressure hose connected to the
gun. Use of Hand Grip and Shoulder Stock in hand-held control guns will
provide greater operator comfort and safety.
6. Fall protection should be provided when blasting on scaffolding or
sloping surface per OSHA guidelines. Do not operate a hand-held gun
while standing on slippery surfaces.
7. The control gun operator should always start blasting with a low
system pressure and slowly increase blasting pressure. Depress and
release control gun trigger/pedal several times at operating pressure to
check the control gun’s operation before starting cleaning operations.
8. A dump type control gun should always open fully and reduce the
system pressure to near zero immediately when its trigger/pedal is
released. If this type of control gun does not relieve system pressure
immediately or system pressure does not fall below 200 psi when trig-
ger/pedal is released, do not use the control gun.
9. The control gun operator should never pass a control gun to another
operator without first stopping the pump and water flow to the control
gun. Passing off a control gun without first stopping system waterflow is
dangerous because of possible accidental trigger actuation.
10. Do not use a control gun or control device that has malfunctioned or
you suspect malfunctioned without having it repaired and/or thoroughly
checked for proper operation by a qualified high pressure maintenance
mechanic or your supervisor.
11. Do not use a control gun that does not have a trigger guard.
12. Never tie, wedge or clamp a control gun’s trigger in the closed
position.
