Almost everyone has heard about the dangers associated with chain saws. Picture then a chained blade — several times larger than a chainsaw blade — that cuts into the ground and you have a trencher. This comparison underscores the need for safety when using a trencher. The following suggestions provide information to help you use a rented trencher safely. Your local, ARA-affiliated rental store can provide you complete instructions for using your rented trencher. You sometimes also can view how-to video instructions at a rental store to inform you how to use the equipment safely and effectively.

·  Read all manufacturer warnings and instructions prior to using rented trencher.

·  Follow safe lifting practices when loading and unloading a rented walk-behind trencher.

·  Secure rented trencher when you transport it.

·  Follow safe practices when you hook up and tow a rented trencher.

·  Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a hard hat, safety glasses, ear protection and protective boots.

·  Never wear loose clothing or jewelry that can catch on the rented trencher during use.

·  Always wear your seat belt when operating a rented ride-on trencher.

·  Do not allow anyone to ride in a rented trencher other than the operator.

·  Keep onlookers away from the jobsite while operating the rented trencher.

·  Mark the areas where you will dig the holes.

·  Before you dig, call 811 — the national “Call Before You Dig” phone number — to notify utility companies of your digging plans, so that they can send out a locator to mark underground lines for free. You must wait a few days after calling before digging. The exact time requirements for waiting vary by state.

·  Rent the appropriate trencher from your local ARA-affiliated rental store. See The Many Sizes and Types of Rental Trenchers and What to Look for in a Rental Trencher for a description of types of rental trenchers available.

·  Check and, if needed, service fluid levels in the rented trencher. Shut off the trencher’s engine before refueling.

·  Before use and regularly during operation, check a rented trencher’s chain tension to make sure that it is neither too tight nor too loose. If necessary, adjust its tension according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

·  Perform a worksite inspection, taking note of all obstructions, drop-offs and steep slopes.

·  Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for starting and shutting off the rented trencher.

·  Only operate the rented trencher from the operator’s position or seat.

·  Operate engine of rented trencher at full throttle while trenching.

·  Start rented trencher before lowering slowly moving cutting parts to the ground.

·  Avoid making sharp, sudden turns with the rented trencher when trenching.

·  Always lower the attachment to the ground, turn off the engine and set the parking brake or use chock blocks prior to leaving the rented trencher.

Contact your local, ARA-affiliated, rental store for information on available rental products and services to meet your trencher needs. To locate the rental store nearest you, use the Rental Store Quick Locator above.