User Manual

Introduction 9
Non-Sparking
Supersonic Nozzle
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Utility AirSpade manufactured by Guardair Corporation
Dead-Man
Trigger
Non-Conductive Fiberglass Barrel
with Insulated Inner Air Hose
Ergonomic
Grip
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Adjustable Dirt Shield
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Retractable
Stabilizer Bar
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3/4”
FNPT
Inlet
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Pressure
Gauge
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Non-Sparking Bronze
Threaded Coupling
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Trigger Guard with
Generous Opening
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Cast Aluminum
Handle
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Non-Sparking
Threaded Coupling
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ELIMINATE POTENTIAL SPARKING
The need to avoid sparks in a potentially flammable environment, such
as within a utility trench while exposing a natural gas line, is easy to
understand. Sparks, generated by “friction” can commonly occur when
some metals impact each other, or impact other hard materials such
as rocks, or concrete. Unlike ferrous-based metals – containing iron
(such as steel) – bronze does not generate sparks upon impact and is
considered to be “non-sparking” in nature. To eliminate this concern,
Utility AirSpade features a bronze Supersonic Nozzle and bronze
barrel couplings.
HUMAN FACTORS AND SAFETY
Properly designed air excavation tools must incorporate ergonomic
features, be easy to use, and, above all, be safe.
The Utility Air Spade handle has been designed to comfortably fit
the hand and features a hand opening large enough to accommodate
lineman gloves. Besides housing the dead-man trigger, the handle body
also functions as a trigger guard to prevent accidental activation.
When desired, a retractable auxiliary handle provides positive, two-
handed control.
Finally, compressed air is a powerful, yet potentially dangerous utility,
so the Utility AirSpade has been engineered to handle high-speed air
flow of Mach 2, as well as air pressures up to 150 psi.
Non-Sparking Bronze
Supersonic Nozzle
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