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Re: [TowerTalk] Digging The Hole

To: towertalk@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] Digging The Hole
From: Patrick Greenlee <patrick_g@windstream.net>
Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2018 08:19:32 -0600
List-post: <mailto:towertalk@contesting.com>
Depending on your soil type and other extant conditions you might easily be killed.  Just because you haven't had a cave-in digging to your current stage of progress is not a reliable indicator of your safety as you proceed. As far as the corners are concerned, they can be squared off with a manual post hole digger AKA "Idiot Sticks" and or shovel with you standing on a ladder placed in the hole. A cave-in under these circumstances would be an inconvenience not a prelude to your funeral.

Alternatively, shore up the hole leaving the corners uncovered. Then you can access the corners and the bottom of the hole but not be buried by a cave-in. Don't make dying to get a tower installed a literal fact.

Be safe.

Patrick        NJ5G


On 2/10/2018 7:52 AM, jimlux wrote:
On 2/9/18 11:04 AM, Joe Partlow wrote:
So I'm in the process of digging the hole for my tower foundation. I've dug most of it out with a mini-excavator but now I have to climb down inside to finish up the corners and such. the hole will be 4' X 4' x 6' deep. Should
I be worried about cave-ins?


It depends. What's your soil like?
if it collapses, how deep will you be buried?

If you're buried waist deep, you just have to wait til someone comes to dig you out (or you can dig yourself out with your hands).

If you're buried with your chest under dirt (i.e. the collapse knocked you over, or there's a big pile of dirt next to the hole, so the hole will be filled back up), you will likely die before someone can dig you out, even if they're standing there, shovel in hand, ready to start digging.

I'll readily admit that when I was younger and more ignorant, I climbed down into plenty of holes. I won't do it now.
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