Delivering safety in spades

Damaging hidden pipework and cabling when digging can cost time, money and in worse case scenarios, even lives.

To help eliminate these risks, Olympia Tools, distributors of the Roughneck brand of hand tools and workwear, has introduced a new solution. The company's Safety Shovel represents a significant evolution of a familiar tool and benefits from a carefully considered and intelligent, fit for purpose design, which has been based on the real world experiences of Craig Broadhurst - a contractor involved in subsurface work.

Unlike ordinary shovels, the Safety Shovel has an innovative curved blade which also benefits from a specially designed lip. Together, these features help to reduce levels of penetration and subsequent damage caused should a user accidentally strike hidden utilities - and without compromising on overall 'digging' performance.

Further features include a solid fibre glass handle which provides strength and a light weight as well as a one piece forged steel head, which has been both hardened and tempered to ensure maximum durability and effectiveness.

Two variants of the Safety Shovel are available. A standard version which is suitable for general digging and excavation, and a Grafter which is specifically designed for breaking ground and for digging in clay or stony ground. There is also the option of insulated variants which are able to provide shock resistance safely tested against 10,000 volts and approved to 1000 volt in accordance with BS8020:2012.

Given that rectifying damaged utilities can cost anywhere from £400 to £1,000,000, Safety Shovels are already being widely used by many major players in a range of sectors. Customers embracing the benefits of the product include a number of household name PLCs involved in highway maintenance, utilities provision and the maintenance of the nation's infrastructure.

Speaking of the Safety Shovel, purchasing and marketing director at Olympia Tools, Vahe Der Kureghian, said: "Striking hidden utilities presents a very real risk to the hundreds of companies and millions of people involved in excavation construction in the UK. The Safety Shovel provides an equally real solution by taking the effectiveness of a tried and trusted tool to a whole new level."

He continues: "The introduction of the range typifies Olympia Tool's commitment to offering high performance, good quality and above all, innovative products that make a real difference to the user - whether that's by increasing efficiency and improving results, or by enhancing safety and mitigating risks."

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Image:    Roughneck Safety Shovel and Grafter.jpg

Caption: Safety first. The Safety Shovel from Olympia Tools is helping to reduce the risk to property, life and professional reputations caused by striking hidden utilities when digging.

For more information on this story, contact Wayne Mohammed at PRECISION on 0161 638 8714 or e-mail: wayne@weareprecision.com

Notes to editors:

- With its head offices and showrooms in Reading, Olympia Tools (UK) Ltd is a British based importer and distributor of premium quality, competitively priced hand tools and other products for the professional tradesman and serious DIY enthusiast.

- Olympia Tools prides itself on offering new, innovative and high performance products sourced from reputable manufacturers across the world.

- Specific and well-known brands available from Olympia Tools include Roughneck, Gorilla Bar, Thorsen, Power Grip, Wood Grenade and the MUTT (Multi Use Tough Tool).

- Olympia Tools has been trading in the United Kingdom for 15 years.

- For more information on Olympia Tools (UK) Ltd and its products, visit www.olympia-tools.co.uk

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