Main risks

• Cuts and punctures from the cutting edges of the auger or the blades of the post hole digger.
• Trapping and pinching at joints or between the handles during opening and closing.
• Overexertion and back, shoulder or wrist injuries due to twisting or excessive load.
• Impacts to feet and legs due to loss of control, slips or dropping the tool.
• Ejection of stones, roots and soil when removing material.
• Partial collapse of the hole walls and loss of ground stability.
• Damage to underground services (irrigation, cables, pipes) with possible accidents.
• Breaking or splintering of handles and joints, with a risk of loss of control.
• Slips due to mud, wet ground or slopes.

Safe use

• Before starting, check handles, joints and edges; do not use the tool if it shows cracks, looseness or deformation.
• Wear work gloves, safety glasses and sturdy, non-slip footwear.
• Check for the possible presence of underground services in the work area and mark the drilling point.
• Keep other people and pets away from the work area and the swing radius.
• Stand with a stable footing, hold with both hands and work progressively, avoiding jerks or sudden levering.
• If you encounter a hard obstacle, stop; remove stones or roots with appropriate tools and resume without forcing.
• Empty the accumulated soil regularly to reduce weight and effort.
• For deep holes, progress in stages and keep the edges clean to prevent collapse.
• During transport, keep the tip protected and pointing towards the ground, away from your body.
• Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and keep your hands dry to improve grip.

Storage and maintenance

• Remove soil and moisture after each use and dry thoroughly to prevent corrosion.
• Apply a light anti-corrosion coating to the metal parts when necessary.
• Check and tighten screws and fasteners; replace cracked handles or bent or worn parts.
• Sharpen the cutting edges when required following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Store the tool in a dry place, hung up or with a guard on the tip, out of the reach of children.
• Avoid placing weight on the tool during storage to prevent deformation.
• Secure it during transport so it does not move.

Restrictions on use

• Not a product for minors; for use only by adults who are familiar with its operation.
• Do not use the auger if you are excessively tired or under the effects of alcohol or medicines that reduce alertness.
• Do not use the tool on frozen, extremely compacted or rocky ground without the proper equipment.
• Do not use it near unstable edges, unshored trenches or steep slopes.
• Do not use the tool if it shows visible damage or looseness in the handles and joints.
• Do not modify it or adapt it with parts not intended by the manufacturer.
• For large-diameter jobs or very hard ground, consider assistance from another person and reinforce the cordoning off of the work area.
• Always keep the surroundings under supervision if there are children or animals nearby.