PostHoleDiggers (Download)
POST HOLE DIGGERs 1 INTRODUCTION The Post Hole Digger consists of one or two handles attached to metal shovel blades and joined via a hinge or can be fixed. Standard-Post Hole Digger To properly operate a post hole digger the tool is thrust into the ground, the handles pulled apart to grasp the soil, and the entire apparatus lifted out of the ground leaving a hole; this kind of post hole digger is commonly referred to as a “clamshell” digger. This type of post hole digger features a fixed T-shaped handle design attached to a blade; the user twists the handle, which in turn twists the blade and digs into the soil similar to an auger. Auger-Style Post Hole Digger 2 The Post Hole Digger was created by American William Stoyner and debuted at a farm equipment show October 13,1899 in Auckland, New Zealand.* HISTORY * http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&d=HBH18991013.2.28.4&l=mi&e=——-10–1—-0-all The Post Hole Digger was soon recognized for its utility for landscaping projects and farm applications. It soon became an important piece of equipment for performing specialized earthwork. 3 TYPES OF POST HOLE DIGGERS Traditional Split-Handled Designed for heavy duty and professional, commercial use Split handles are used with a front to back motion, similar to a scissor action Narrow handle profile allows for digging in hard, rocky soil 4 TYPES OF POST HOLE DIGGERS Hole-Deal Adjustable handle pivot increases blade leverage for compacted soils Designed for dislodging stones, cutting roots, and shaping holes Boston-Digger 5 The Post Hole Digger is a multi-utility tool; however, it is designed specifically for the task of digging holes to set posts – this tool can dig a fairly small diameter hole (4-6 inches) to a depth of 1-3 feet. Fence posts Flag pole Excavation to a utility In ground supports Compared to a standard shovel , this tool will enable the task to be done in little time with minimum effort, as well as allowing the operator to keep the hole more suitably sized. STANDARD OPERATING USES 6 MAJOR SAFETY CONCERNS When doing any digging, it is possible to damage buried utilities. A single call to 811 will notify all utilities that they are to mark the location of any utility lines they may have at the excavation location that must be provided.* Underground Utilities * http://www.callsunshine.com/ssocof/about/what.htm Subsurface utilities can be marked with color coded flags, paint, or a combination of both. 7 OSHA Statistics 1990-2009 There were no post hole digger-related construction worker fatalities investigated by OSHA from 1990 thru 2009. Source: Extracted from OSHA investigation data 1990-2009 8 FATALITY CASES (most are not construction specific) In 1985, a 25-year-old Tennessee County highway worker was electrocuted when the steel handle of a modified post hole digger he was holding made contact with a 7200 volt power line* * http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/face/In-house/full8543.html In 2002 an Oregon man was killed instantly when his post hole digger struck an underground 30,000 volt high voltage transmission line. ** http://library.state.or.us/repository/2009/200907010915163/03contac.pdf On June 28, 2008, a plumber in West Philadelphia was electrocuted after striking a 13,000-volt underground power line, causing a short circuit that shut off service to 1,300 customers; he had not called 811 to identify existing utilities *** http://www.uncc2.org/web/news/news_06-30-2008_plumber_electrocuted.shtml 9 In Appomattox, VA, brick homes were demolished when a person struck an underground gas line with a post hole digger. It was also determined that the pipe had corrosion and fatigue to were the post hole digger was able to pierce the pipe. The person operating the post hole digger was never found. * http://www.appomattoxnews.com/2008/appomattox-gas-line-explosion-update.html ADDITIONAL DAMAGES (Probably mechanized post hole diggers) Two homes in Houston, TX were completely destroyed when an underground gas line was ruptured by a crew digging with post hole diggers igniting a fire started by a spark from an air conditioning unit** ** http://www.khou.com/news/local/65848307.html 10 OSHA REGULATIONS OSHA describes “Post Hole Diggers, Hand” as part of the Industry Group 342: Cutlery, Hand-tools, And General Hardware 3423:Hand and Edge Tools, Except Machine Tools and Handsaws* (b)(2) Utility companies or owners shall be contacted within established or customary local response times, advised of the proposed work, and asked to establish the location of the utility underground installations prior to the start of actual excavation. When utility companies or owners cannot respond to a request to locate under- ground utility installations within 24 hours, or cannot establish the exact location of these installations, the employer may proceed, provided the employer does so with caution, and provided detection equipment or other acceptable means to locate utility installations are used** OSHA Regulation: § 1926.651 – Specific excavation requirements ** http://www.osha.gov/Publications/Homebuilders/Homebuilders.html#subp * http://www.osha.gov/pls/imis/sic_manual.display?id=717&tab=description 11 SAFETY PROCEDURES R emember, “call before you dig” before any work is started. Every year nearly 700,000 utility lines are hit by digging projects. Of those, almost half are cases in which the digger did not use one of the 62 state and local “Call Before You Dig” centers. 12 SAFETY PROCEDURES When operating a Post Hole Digger use the following PPE: Steel-Toed Boots Leather Gloves Safety Glasses Long Pants 13 SAFETY PROCEDURES Contact “Call Before You DIG” and have them mark existing utilities. Inspect the post hole digger. Make sure all parts are intact and the cutting edges are sharp . Perform light exercises prior to beginning to work to avoid strains Straddle the location where the hole is to be dug, feet wide apart and slightly back from the center of the hole location . Be sure there is no debris in the hole area. Maintain erect posture as the post hole digger is thrust downward. 14 SAFETY PROCEDURES Rotate the post hole digger slightly so the successive thrusts loosen the soil with greater ease. When sufficient material is loosened, bring up the material and deposit it next to the hole being dug. Take frequent breaks, especially if the weather is hot and digging is difficult . Maintain hydration and wear sun screen 15 SAFETY PROCEDURES Clean the post hole digger before storagej . Keep the tool lubricated Clean all PPE prior to storage 16 Think Safety Work Safely 17