Ditch Witch 053-2962, Operator'S Manual, Page: 25 / 85

Prepare - 24
SK600 Operator’s Manual
Prepare Jobsite
Natural Gas Jobsite Precautions
Position equipment upwind from gas lines and use one or both of these methods:
• Expose line by careful hand digging or soft excavation.
• Have service shut down while work is in progress. Have gas company test lines before returning them
to service.
Crystalline Dust Jobsite Precautions
Crystalline silica dust is a naturally occurring substance found in soil, sand, concrete, granite, and quartz.
To reduce exposure when cutting, drilling, or working these materials:
• Use water spray or other means to control dust.
• Refer to US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines or other applicable
regulating guidelines for appropriate breathing protection or dust control methods.
Other Jobsite Precautions
You may need to use different methods to safely avoid other underground hazards. Talk with those
knowledgeable about hazards present at each site to determine which precautions should be taken or if
job should be attempted.
Clear objects such as landscaping fabric, cable, and wire from the work area. These objects may be
underground or partially buried.
Arrange for Traffic Control
Vehicle and pedestrian traffic must be a safe distance from equipment. Evaluate jobsite and allow an
appropriate buffer zone around equipment. If working near a road or other traffic area, contact local
authorities about safety procedures and regulations.
Silica dust. Exposure can cause lung disease or cancer. Use
breathing protection.