What are some safety tips for using post hole diggers?
• Contact the local utility companies for the location of cables and pipes before digging. • Select equipment that is suitable for the tasks required – consider the type of soil (full of rocks and roots?), the depth and diameter of the holes, accessibility to the site, etc. • Before operating the equipment, read, understand and follow the manufacturer’s operating manual and safety decals on the equipment. • Check that you are using the correct shear bolt (for hardness and length) that is specified by the equipment manufacturer to ensure that the shear bolt breaks when required and to prevent clothing from getting entangled with a shear bolt that is too long. • Ensure that the auger point and cutting edges are in good condition and that the equipment is in good working order. Hand-held post hole diggers • If you are using a one- or two-person hand-held unit, position yourself so that you do not get hit by the handle if the auger stops abruptly. • Operate the auger at slow speeds. • Dig
