Brochure
WHITE PAPER
Sponsored by
THE DIRT ON SAFE DIGGING: TAKE SAFETY TO MACH 2 WITH AN AIR-POWERED EXCAVATION TOOL
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requiring days away from work across all industries
in 2014. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
workers who suffered sprains, strains or tears required a
median of 10 days away from work in 2014.
11
To minimize operator discomfort and fatigue, the Utility
AirSpade was designed with a lightweight, ergonomic
handle featuring a full-size grip opening to accommodate
protective gloves. The Utility AirSpade 4000 also has a
retractable stabilizer bar, enabling the user to operate the
tool with two hands, if desired.
“We developed the Utility AirSpade 4000 in conjunction
with utility companies and contractors so we could
11 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Nonfatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses
Requiring Days Away from Work, 2014,” http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/
osh2.pdf
address their specic needs and concerns,” Sweet
explains. “The non-sparking and insulated components
address their concerns about utility-line strikes, and the
ergonomic design makes it physically easier and safer
for the operator to use, with the goal of minimizing
musculoskeletal injuries.”
Because AGI crew members now use the Utility
AirSpade 4000 – instead of a shovel – to uncover buried
utility lines, Carpenter has seen fewer back sprains and
strains, among other injuries.
“Using shovels to de-compact soil, gravel, rocks and
roots put strain on employees’ backs,” Carpenter says.
“Switching to the Utility AirSpade 4000 has denitely
been a factor in reducing our injuries.”
OSHA 1926 Subpart P spells out the safety requirements for excavation
and trenching operations. These include measures to protect workers from
cave-ins, falls, hazardous atmospheres and underground utility-line strikes.
OSHA’s 2015 “Trenching and Excavation Safety” guide
highlights key elements of the standard, and recommends
that employers emphasize the following safe work practices
to minimize the risk of injuries at excavation sites:
•Know where underground utilities are located before digging.
•Keep excavated soil (spoils) and other materials
at least 2 feet from trench edges.
•Keep heavy equipment away from trench edges.
•Identify any equipment or activities that could affect trench stability.
•Test for atmospheric hazards such as low oxygen, hazardous fumes
and toxic gases when workers are more than 4 feet deep.
•Inspect trenches at the start of each shift.
•Inspect trenches following a rainstorm or other water intrusion.
•Inspect trenches after any occurrence that could
have changed conditions in the trench.
•Do not work under suspended or raised loads and materials.
•Ensure that personnel wear high-visibility or other
suitable clothing when exposed to vehicular trafc.
SAFE PRACTICES FOR EXCAVATION AND TRENCHING AROUND UTILITIES
In addition, Guardair Corporation urges utility companies and contractors to
follow these safety practices when operating the Utility AirSpade 4000:
•Wear appropriate personal protective equipment. This includes cut- and puncture-
resistant gloves, approved safety glasses with side shields and/or face protection, and
approved earplugs or earmuffs. Eye protection should comply with ANSI Z87.1-1989.
Ear protection should provide a noise-reduction rating of at least 20 decibels.
•Wear approved, electrically insulated footwear and gloves
if working near underground utility lines.
•Wear approved respiratory protection when working in extremely dusty conditions.
•Ensure that all personnel near the area being excavated are aware that the
tool is being used and that they wear appropriate PPE as indicated.
•Protect surfaces that could be chipped or damaged by dislodged
soil or rock particles adjacent to the excavation work area by
using suitable drop cloths, screens or other means.
•Check the tool for loose or damaged parts prior to use.
Tighten, repair and/or replace as necessary.
•Inspect hoses for leakage, kinking, abrasion, corrosion or any other signs of
wear or damage. Immediately replace worn or damaged hose assemblies.
•Check that the air compressor is delivering the specied pressure to operate the tool.
•When using the 45-degree adapter anticipate that the nozzle will
produce a force opposite in direction to the exiting compressed
air. Grip the barrel tightly and brace accordingly.
DANGER
BELOW