Fence Installers
Fence work means digging dozens of holes in places you can’t see under, running augers that can twist hard enough to break bones, and handling concrete, wire and heavy panels all day, often next to traffic.
- Construction
- Landscaping
Call 811 before every job
Fence lines follow property lines, the same places utilities often run. Call 811 a few days before digging, wait for the marks, and hand-dig carefully within the tolerance zone (usually 18 to 24 inches on either side of a mark, depending on the state). Remember that private lines, like ones to a garage or sprinkler system, may not be marked. See Call 811 and Utility Strikes.
Post hole augers
When an auger bit hits a root or rock, the machine can twist violently. One-person handheld augers have broken arms and thrown operators.
- Use a two-person auger or a towable or machine-mounted auger for big jobs.
- Keep a firm stance, and let go if the auger kicks.
- Keep loose clothing, drawstrings and long hair away from the spinning bit.
- Turn the auger off before clearing dirt from the bit.
See Power Augers and Digging Bars & Post Hole Diggers.
Post drivers
Manual and powered post drivers cause crushed hands, shoulder strain and hearing damage. Keep hands on the handles, never on the post top, and wear hearing protection, safety glasses and gloves.
Concrete
Wet concrete is caustic and can cause severe chemical burns that you may not feel until hours later. Wear waterproof gloves and boots, keep it off your skin, and wash right away if it gets through. Bags of concrete mix are heavy, and dry mix makes silica dust. See Corrosives.
Chain link and wire
- Stretching fabric with a come-along or fence stretcher stores a lot of energy. Stand to the side, and check that the stretcher bar is secure before pulling.
- Cut wire and ties with the right cutters, and wear safety glasses. Cut ends fly and are sharp.
- Barbed and razor wire need heavy gloves, sleeves and eye protection.
Lifting and the job site
- Wood and vinyl panels catch the wind. Carry them with two people on windy days.
- Working near a road? Use cones and high-visibility vests, and park so your truck protects the work area. See Work Zone Safety.
- Treated posts: wear gloves and a dust mask when cutting.
Before you dig
- 811 ticket number and marks confirmed
- Owner asked about private lines, sprinklers and septic
- Auger inspected; second person available
- Gloves, glasses, hearing protection and boots on
- Water and first aid kit in the truck
Standards & references
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