4 Tips for Earth Drilling Safety

When it comes to operating a powerful earth drill, safety is key. Understanding and implementing safety measures can reduce the risk of injuries and help ensure a smooth, efficient digging process for landscaping projects. From preparing the worksite and checking equipment to following proper operational procedures, here are key steps to maximize safety for earth drilling jobs.

1. Don’t dig dangerously

The first step in any digging project is to know the worksite and prepare accordingly. To keep crews safe, always call 811 at least 48 hours before digging to have underground utilities marked, whether those are underground sprinklers, sewer pipes, transmission cables or something else entirely. Buried gas lines or power lines are the most dangerous, with the potential for electrocution, fire, severe burns or even fatalities.

When there are underground obstacles in the drilling area, allow an adequate amount of space around them when planning where to dig. The general rule of thumb is a radius of 2 to 3 feet around a marked area. Once utilities are mapped out, it’s time to get the crew ready. Look for a machine with a chassis-mounted drill carriage and a torque tube that transfers kickback to the chassis instead of the operator for increased safety.Little Beaver Inc.

2. Gear up

Make sure that operators wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow basic dress code practices when operating an earth auger. Put on work boots or quality athletic shoes. Avoid loose clothing and hanging shoelaces that can get caught in the auger. Wear safety goggles and work gloves whenever the earth drill is running to protect against flying debris. Then, it’s time to check the drill.

3. Know the drill

Operators should be familiar with the earth drill’s owner’s manual before operating it. Even if they’ve operated other drills, different brands have different safety features and practices. Once they’ve reviewed the owner’s manual, it’s time to do a complete inspection of the auger and the drill for any repairs or maintenance needs. Be sure the kill switches and wires are undamaged, the throttle works, the engine starts and that all bolts are tightened properly. Just as importantly, inspect the auger, points and blades to make sure they’re properly aligned and connected. A misalignment can cause the auger to vibrate or “walk.”

Some earth drills are designed to take the guesswork out of safe operation. Look for a machine with a chassis-mounted drill carriage and a torque tube that transfers kickback to the chassis instead of the operator for increased safety. If it’s a hydraulic-based drill, check for a pressure relief valve that automatically stops the auger’s rotation and halts the drill before it reaches a dangerous overload point.

Make sure to check all the machine’s fluids and change or refill the fluids as needed. Remember that trying to do this while the machine is hot can result in serious injuries from accidentally touching a hot engine or hydraulic power deck. It’s best to change or refill fluids before a job starts. If it has to be done in the middle of a project, let the drill cool completely first.

Make sure to check the instruction manual for other specific tips, such as how to check a torque tube for proper connection. These procedures might be different between one model and another, so follow any steps outlined in the manual.

For soft soil, ease up a little. If the ground is harder, apply more pressure. If the auger hits a tree root or hard spot during drilling, turn off the machine and disconnect the handle from the auger.Little Beaver Inc.

4. Dig smart, Stay safe

Once the auger is set up and running, position it perpendicular to the ground. For greater control, adjust the downward pressure based on soil conditions. For soft soil, ease up a little. If the ground is harder, apply more pressure. If the auger hits a tree root or hard spot during drilling, turn off the machine and disconnect the handle from the auger. Turn the auger counterclockwise to free the unit.

When the drill has reached the desired depth, release the throttle control and allow the auger to come to a complete stop before removing it from the hole. Slow and steady is the key to safe posthole digging. Running an auger at a slower speed helps operators gain comfort and control and, as a result, reduces the likelihood of injuries.

Safety doesn’t begin or end with the machine. The owner and operator need to keep the drill up to date on maintenance and ensure the crews are being safe throughout each project. Equipping each operator with the right protective gear and following safety guidelines ensures projects can finish smoothly.

With a strong commitment to safety, everyone can go home injury free after a job well done.