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    Auger Safety

    Uploaded by

    Sooraj Kannan, P.V.
    This document provides safety guidelines for using augers, also known as post hole diggers, which are tools used by small farmers to dig holes rapidly but can be hazardous if not operated properly. It outlines precautions like checking for damage, keeping the work area clear of debris, starting slowly, and operating only in good visibility. Personal safety tips include keeping hands and feet away from rotating parts, wearing protective gear like glasses and hearing protection, and avoiding loose clothing that could get caught. Proper precautions are necessary as augers can spin blades rapidly and entanglement can occur.

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Auger Safety

    Uploaded by

    Sooraj Kannan, P.V.
    153 views2 pages
    This document provides safety guidelines for using augers, also known as post hole diggers, which are tools used by small farmers to dig holes rapidly but can be hazardous if not operated properly. It outlines precautions like checking for damage, keeping the work area clear of debris, starting slowly, and operating only in good visibility. Personal safety tips include keeping hands and feet away from rotating parts, wearing protective gear like glasses and hearing protection, and avoiding loose clothing that could get caught. Proper precautions are necessary as augers can spin blades rapidly and entanglement can occur.

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    This document provides safety guidelines for using augers, also known as post hole diggers, which are tools used by small farmers to dig holes rapidly but can be hazardous if not operated properly. It outlines precautions like checking for damage, keeping the work area clear of debris, starting slowly, and operating only in good visibility. Personal safety tips include keeping hands and feet away from rotating parts, wearing protective gear like glasses and hearing protection, and avoiding loose clothing that could get caught. Proper precautions are necessary as augers can spin blades rapidly and entanglement can occur.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    153 views2 pages

    Auger Safety

    Uploaded by

    Sooraj Kannan, P.V.
    This document provides safety guidelines for using augers, also known as post hole diggers, which are tools used by small farmers to dig holes rapidly but can be hazardous if not operated properly. It outlines precautions like checking for damage, keeping the work area clear of debris, starting slowly, and operating only in good visibility. Personal safety tips include keeping hands and feet away from rotating parts, wearing protective gear like glasses and hearing protection, and avoiding loose clothing that could get caught. Proper precautions are necessary as augers can spin blades rapidly and entanglement can occur.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 2

    MINNESOTA FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWER ASSOCIATION • SMALL FARM SAFETY SERIES

    Auger Safety
    Tools and equipment used by fruit and vegetable growers are typically smaller and may be different than
    those used by grain and livestock farmers, but they can still be hazardous. Many beginning growers buy
    used equipment and tools and may have little experience using small agricultural machinery. This brief is
    part of a series on safety for fruit and vegetable growers. Developed by the University of Minnesota
    On-Farm GAPs Education Team. Reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Chaplin, PE.

    Augers, or post hole diggers, are


    labor-saving tools that can help small
    farmers dig holes for fence posts and
    trellis supports or for planting trees
    and shrubs. They can rapidly remove
    large amounts of soil, making quick
    work of otherwise labor-intensive
    jobs.
    However, as with any large
    machinery, safety precautions must
    be taken when using the post hole
    digger. Because the auger shaft is
    rotating rapidly, entanglement or
    contact with the rotating blades can
    occur. Always check to be sure
    shields are in place when operating a
    post hole digger.
    If an auger drills through
    landscape fabric, the material can An auger or post hole digger can save
    twist around the rotating shaft, time and work. But watch out for
    which can pull the operator in at the fast-rotating blades!
    same time.

    • Hazards of Post Hole Digger Drilling, Safety and Health Bulletin,


    For more information on OSHA SHIB April 16, 2008
    Auger Safety • Operating Powered Post Hole Diggers, Professional Landcare
    Network PLANET March 2012
    • Jensen, RC, Risk Reduction Methods for Occupational Safety and
    Health, John Wiley & Sons 2012
    •
    MINNESOTA FRUIT AND VEGETABLE GROWER ASSOCIATION • SMALL FARM SAFETY SERIES

    Auger Safety
    Before Using a Post Hole Digger • Make sure the hole is straight before
    • Call Gopher State One Call before you dig too deeply.
    beginning your project (Minnesota • Except for the operator, no one should
    residents only). Phone 800.252.1166 or be near the auger when it is on. Others
    651.454.0002 should keep back 10 feet or more.
    • Read the machine safety manual • Only operate an auger when there is
    before starting. good visibility and light.
    • Locate the shutoff switch. • Do not operate when the ground is
    • Know how the controls operate and wet or slippery.
    how to stop the engine quickly.
    Worker Safety
    Using an Auger Safely • Keep your hands and feet away from
    • Never override safety features. all rotating equipment.
    • Check the post hole digger for signs of • Always wear safety glasses or goggles.
    damage. • Wear hearing protection; engine noise
    • Check the work area for rocks or from an auger can exceed 90 decibels.
    foreign objects. • Do not wear loose fitting jackets,
    • Make sure the handles and gripping scarves, jewelry, flared or cuffed pants,
    areas are dry and in good condition. or anything that could be caught in
    • Start the throttle at a slow setting and moving parts.
    increase as needed. • Tie back long hair and remove
    • Hold the machine firmly with both dangling jewelry.
    hands. • Keep shoes properly laced and tied.
    • Turn off the engine, pull out the auger • Vibration from a post hole digger can
    and remove soil every six inches or so. cause numbness or tingling in your
    This saves work; it is difficult to pull hands and arms. Exercise your hands
    out of three feet of soil. and fingers to get blood circulating.

    Funding through a partnership between the MN Fruit and Vegetable Growers


    Association and the USDA-Risk Management Agency. The USDA prohibits
    discrimination in all of its programs and activities on the basis of race, color,
    national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status,
    religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or
    MN Fruit & because all or part of an individualʼs income is derived from any public
    Vegetable assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) USDA
    Growers
    Association is an equal opportunity provider and employer. (2012)

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