A hand auger is a versatile tool used to carry out a range of shallow digging necessary in obtaining soil samples, making postholes, drilling fishing holes in ice, environmental construction, mining, opening clogged drains and locating underground materials that may potentially halt drilling and damage powered tools. Hand augering allows the careful drilling required in environmental construction, demolition and geological surveys.

Mishap free drilling requires that all present at the site follow safety guidelines.

• Compared to using power augers, hand augers may seem too harmless to cause any mishaps. However, there is always a risk of sharp chunks of buried materials loosening and harming the person operating the hand auger. Use proper safety glasses to prevent eye injury in case a piece of sharp material loosens abruptly.

• Using hard hat, gloves, safety boots, dust mask and other protective gear saves construction workers at demolition sites from getting hurt from other knocking down activities going on.

• Remove excavated soil only after stopping the hand auger.

• Before drilling, find out if there are any underground power lines, cables or telephone lines running through the area. You don't want to get electrocuted or held responsible for disrupting services.

• Be sure about the layout of underground water pipes, sewer lines and other utilities.

• Use a hand auger efficient enough to execute the required objective at the earliest time. Using adequately functioning equipment allows the fastest completion of the task so the risk of injuries is automatically minimized.

• Ergonomically designed tools conform better to body contours so injury from long-term repetitive use can be prevented. Hand injuries occurring from using standard augers can be reduced by opting for augers with ergonomic handles.

• Employ hand movements that exert minimum pressure on wrist bones.

• Different types of hand augers catering to varying needs are available. Use the auger that is most appropriate for the job to be done. Augers unsuitable for the situation not only increase the time taken to finish the task but also the chances of injury.

• Take precautions to prevent the hand auger from getting entangled in any type of underground cover that may be used for environmental, engineering or alternative purpose. Underground fabric getting caught in an operating auger can immediately pull the operator towards itself, especially when using power augers.

At the end of the day, having well trained employees, not only in the skills necessary to do the job, but in safety procedures, will help bring your job in on time and without accident or injury.