STRIKING BURIED OBSTRUCTIONS SUCH AS
TREE ROOTS, ROCKS AND OTHER DEBRIS AT
ANY SPECIFIC ENGINE OPERATING SPEED CAN
CAUSE THE HOLE DIGGER TO TRANSMIT
REACTIONARY TYPE "IMPACT" LOADS TO THE
OPERATOR. THESE TYPES OF LOADS ARE
CHARACTERIZED BY A SHARP, PULSATING
MOVEMENT OF THE HOLE DIGGER IN A
COUNTERCLOCKWISE DIRECTION (AS VIEWED
BY THE OPERATOR). SUCH LOADS CAN LEAD TO
THE LOSS OF OPERATOR CONTROL AND RESULT
IN PERSONAL INJURY. THE OPERATIONAL
EFFECTS ARE ALIKE TO THAT OF UTILIZING A
COMMON ELECTRIC DRILL AND OTHER,
ROTATION TYPE, POWERED EQUIPMENT. THE
RELATED PHENOMENON IS INHERENT WITH ALL
SUCH TYPES OF ROTATION TYPE, POWERED
EQUIPMENT AND IS TERMED AS KICKBACK.
UNDERSTANDING KICKBACK.
Application: All 200 Series models.
The operation of the Hole Digger involves engine
torque being transmitted and multiplied by the
transmission to the auger. The energy is then used to
dig holes. But to every force (action), there is always a
reaction force in the opposite direction. Thus, if the
auger contacts a buried obstruction, the operator will
feel the left side of the handle of the Hole Digger being
"thrusted" toward him. This "thrusting" force
experienced by the operator is called kickback. The
speed that the handle moves (and magnitude of the
resulting impact force) is directly proportional to the
amount/speed of the kickback force experienced by the
operator. The torque and kickback generated by the
digging process is inherent with a portable, one man
Hole Digger of this type. The operational effects are
alike to that of utilizing a common, electric drill and
other, rotation type, powered tools.
BACK CARE/PROPER LIFTING INFORMATION
Application: All 200 Series models.
In addition to kickback forces encountered during the
hole digging process, the operator will be required to lift
the Hole Digger and auger/auger extension with
numerous repetition, as demanded by the specific job
application. Utilizing proper lifting techniques will
minimize fatigue and back-related injuries while
increasing overall productivity rates.
ANATOMY
The human body is supported by the spinal column.
The spinal column consists of thirty separate bones
called vertebrae, all linked and supported by a series of
tiny muscles. Small pads called discs are situated
between each vertebrae and act like shock absorbers
to cushion the pressure created from external forces.
The spinal column is wrapped by a system of nerves
and has three natural curves:
Cervical: from the base of the neck to the brain.
Thoracic: situated from the middle to the lower back.
Lumbar: located from the lower back to the buttocks
area.
These three curves need to be kept in natural
alignment in order to prevent discomfort.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
Most occupational physicians agree on several
“universal” preventative measures that an operator
should follow to help lower the risk of back-related
injuries:
1) Maintain proper body weight.
2) Maintain good posture while walking or sitting.
3) Be conscious of how you twist and bend your body
while digging. Twisting and bending the wrong way can
exert too much pressure on one side of your vertebrae.
4) Always use proper lifting techniques as described
below.
5) Develop a consistent exercise routine.
6) Eliminate or reduce your use of tobacco. Smoking
reduces the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the discs
that cushion the vertebrae.
PROPER LIFTING PROCEDURES
The following are guidelines for properly lifting the Hole
Digger and auger/auger extension from the hole and
240H ONE MAN HOLE DIGGER
FORM GOM14081201, VERSION 1.1
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