User Manual
24 Utility AirSpade Technical Applications Bulletin
OSHA 1926 Subpart P spells out 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 this standard, and recommends that employers
emphasize the following safe work practices to minimize the risk
of injuries:
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Locate underground utilities before digging.
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Keep excavated spoil and work materials at least 2’ from
trench edges.
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Keep heavy equipment away from trench edges.
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Identify equipment or activities that could affect trench stability.
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Test for low oxygen, hazardous fumes, and/or toxic gases in
trenches more than 4’ deep.
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Inspect trenches at the start of each shift, following rainstorms
or other water intrusion, or after occurrences altering trench
conditions.
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Ensure that personnel wear high-visibility clothing when working
near vehicular traffic.
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Wear electrically insulated footwear, insulated gloves, and employ
rubber ground mats where appropriate when working near
underground high-voltage electric lines.
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Wear respiratory protection when working in extremely dusty
conditions.
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Ensure that personnel are aware the Utility AirSpade is in use.
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Protect adjacent surfaces and personnel from flying rocks or soil
with drop cloths, screens, or barriers.
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Check the tool for loose or damaged parts. Tighten, repair, and/or
replace as necessary.
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Inspect air hoses for leakage, kinks, abrasion, or other signs of
wear or damage. Replace if necessary.
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Check that the air compressor is delivering 90 psi to the Utility
AirSpade.
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Anticipate that use of the 45-degree angled adaptor produces a
force opposite the exiting compressed air. Grip the barrel tightly
and brace accordingly.
SAFE PRACTICES WHEN EXCAVATING AROUND UTILITIES
Additional recommended safety practices when operating
the Utility AirSpade:
l
Wear personal protective equipment including:
– Cut and puncture resistant gloves
– Safety glasses with side shields and/or face
protection complying with ANSI Z87.1-1989
– Earplugs or earmuffs providing
noise-reduction > 20 decibels.