Safe Operating Procedures for Augers
Purpose
To define the safe operating procedures in a manner that informs and instructs employees of [Employer/Organization Name] on the key health and safety hazards and controls to remember when using the auger and the auger with the skid steer loader.
Hazards
The following hazards may occur when using the auger and the auger with the skid steer loader:
Critical injury or fatality
Entanglement
Puncture (hydraulic fluid under pressure)
Fire
Personal Protective Equipment
Safety footwear
Eye protection
Hearing protection
Gloves
No loose clothing, hair or jewelry
Safe Operating Procedure
Complete a pre-use inspection. If any defects are noted, the equipment must be removed from service and the supervisor must be notified immediately to ensure equipment is repaired.
Operators must have read and understood the operator’s manual.
Ensure operator’s manual for equipment is available to operators.
Ensure guards and shields are firmly in place and in good condition. Do not operate the equipment without appropriate guards, shields, plates and other safety protective devices in place.
Ensure safety decals are legible, order replacements if they are not.
Ensure the equipment is used properly as per manufacturer’s directions.
Complete a walkaround of the immediate work area prior to starting. Look for obstacles that may need to be removed.
Always call the appropriate utility companies to confirm the locations of all underground lines, pipes and wires.
Check all fluids.
Confirm all controls are in proper working order.
Ensure all control levers are in neutral or off position before starting.
Keep all bystanders at least three metres (ten feet) away from the equipment during operation.
-1. Employees using hand tools should not move or remove the spoil-pile while the auger is operating.
-1. Repairs to the equipment must be performed by qualified personnel, using original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or equivalent.
-1. Auger with the Skid Steer Loader
Lower the lift arms until the pivot point of the auger touches the ground.
Engage the hydraulics on the loader so the auger turns in a clockwise direction. At the same time, slowly lower the lift arms to drill into the soil.
Be sure to lift the arms often while the auger is turning, to remove dirt from the hole.
To move the skid steer loader with the auger installed, raise the auger bit, stop the auger bit rotation, raise the auger just above ground, and tilt the auger back. Lower the lift arms so the auger does not touch the ground.
Additional Resources
SOP for Fuelling
SOP for Hitching Implements
SOP for Skid Steer Loader
SOP for Working Around Overhead or Underground Utilities
Ministry of Labour Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines for Farming Operations in Ontario
Document Management
Effective Date:Revision Date: