Pick the tool up, swing it and bring it down to chop. Very straightforward, right? It is but the axe is a powerful tool and using it incorrectly can cause severe injuries. Therefore, safety should be your top priority!
Knowing the correct techniques will ensure you use your axe safely. Here are five axe safety tips.
Always Inspect Before Use
When a person flies off the handle, it’s implied they have lost their temper. When an axehead does the same, it means serious injuries!
That’s why, before you use an axe, quickly check it to make sure the axehead is in good condition. Ensure the cutting edge is free of rust, cracks and other damages. Lastly, make sure the axehead is firmly secured to the handle.
Never Work With A Dull Blade
Working with dull blades is tedious. Working with a dull axe can be dangerous. It can land a glancing blow that can lead to losing control of the tool. Therefore, keep the blade sharpened for an efficient and clean cut. Ideally, you should sharpen your blade before every use.
Maintain A Safety Circle
Before you begin working with an axe, always check your surroundings. Small branches or debris can affect your swings and lead to serious accidents. Vacate the area and make sure there are no obstructions that might hinder your swings.
Additionally, maintain a 360° clearance or a safety circle to ensure no one is inside your swing radius.
Ensure A Safe Distance
When you maintain the safety circle while using an axe, you need to make sure that there’s no one within a 16-foot radius of your swings. For instance, if you cut down a small tree, it can send debris flying quite a distance. Therefore, no one should be inside your felling area or swing radius.
Keen Your Axe Off The Ground
Chopping should be done on a raised platform since doing it on the ground is dangerous. You can hit stones and rocks, which can cause the axe to change direction or bounce, causing accidents.
Always use a level surface such as a chopping block or stump to make your work safer and easier.
Correctly using your axe ensures your and others’ safety. Check your surroundings, maintain a safety circle, sharpen your axe and use a level surface to chop. By following these safety tips, you can work better with your axe. If you’re looking for high-quality and robust axes, don’t forget to check out Tata Agrico.
