Axes

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Axes
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Axes

• Ax a cutting tool that consists of a heavy
  edged head fixed to a handle with the edge
  parallel to the handle and that is used
  especially for felling trees and chopping and
  splitting wood

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Axes

• Anatomy of an Ax

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Axes

• OSHA classifies an ax as a hand tool
• OSHA 1926.300a
• All hand tools whether furnished by the employer
  or the employee shall be maintained in safe
  condition.

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Axes

• OSHA 1926.301
• Employers shall not issue or permit the use of
  unsafe hand tools.
• d) The wooden handles of tools shall be kept free
  of splinters or cracks and shall be kept tight in
  the tool.

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Axes

• Do not use axes in a manner which they are not
  designed for.
• Axes should never be used as a maul or sledge.

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Axes

• Never throw an ax.
• This is very dangerous and may damage the ax.

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Axes

• When carrying an ax, the employee should carry it
  as his side with the blade pointing toward the
  ground.

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Axes

• Employees shall provide a clear area and adequate
  room to swing before starting to use an ax.
• Always use care when swinging an ax to avoid
  injury.
• Axe injury video

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Axes

• Axes will be equipped with proper guards and
  securely fastened if carried in the part of a
  vehicle where any workers are riding.

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Axes

• Splintered axes are hazardous.
• If the wood is damaged enough the ax head may
  break off and become a deadly projectile.
• The ax head should be inspected for splintering
  often.

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Axes

• Axes made of plastic can avoid the splintering
  problems of wood axes.
• However, the head should still be inspected often
  to ensure a secure attachment.

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Axes

• Appropriate safety equipment should be used when
  using an ax.
• Safety glasses are needed to prevent eye damage
  from flying material.

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Axes

• When an ax is being used, the floor should be
  kept as dry as possible to prevent slipping.

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Axes

• Axes should be made of spark resistant material
  (brass, aluminum) when being used near flammable
  materials to prevent explosions.

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Axes

• When using an ax, the employee should remove
  loose clothing to avoid snagging the ax while
  swinging.

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Axes

• Remember to read the ax manufacturers
  instructions carefully prior to using an ax.
• Only use the ax for purposes which the
  manufacturer has deemed acceptable.