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SYSTEM OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
assembly. Connect a separate air supply line to the air lance if desired. If cutting asphalt or concrete is required, you will need a paving breaker and bits. Also, don't forget the asphalt or concrete patch.
Starting the Spot Hole
Although it is not necessary, you may want to start the test hole with a shovel, digging bar or other hand tool. This will reduce the amount of blowing dust and dirt once the air lance is inserted. If working around fiber optic cables, gas lines or PVC piping, extreme care must be taken when using hand tools. Keep the opening in the ground as small as possible. We recommend an initial cut of 8"x 8". After the hole has been started, use the air lance to pinpoint the utility by "pre-locating". "Pre-locating" means using the air lance to "bore" a hole through the soil until you can feel the utility on the tip of the lance. Excessive downward force is not necessary. A steady "twisting" or 90 to 180 degree rotation is normally all that is needed. By "pre-locating" the utility in this manner you can save countless hours of digging, and will let you know right away how deep the line is. Even though you may feel the utility through the pilot hole, it is imperative that you visually verify. As the soil becomes aerated and breaks up, use the vacuum to remove the loose soil. When you reach the top of the utility, start working on the soil to the side of the pipe. It is a good practice to expose the top (crown) and the side (spring line) of the utility. This will help give you a clearer picture of the utility. Size, material and condition are more easily obtained in this manner.
Recording the Data
If there are specific details about the utility that need to be recorded, we recommend you create a standard form to write them on. Recording the data should be done while the hole is open. If you are digging several holes a day, recalling the details of one from another is tough. Some of the things you may want to write down are: size, depth, material, color, condition of utility, soil condition (type of fill, wet or dry), trend of utility, fittings, joints or bends if found. A typical data sheet is illustrated in Appendix 1. Appendix II shows a data sheet with information recorded.
Backfill and Site Restoration
Proper backfilling of the test hole is very important. If the hole is not backfilled
