Translations:AY Honors/Camping Skills I/Answer Key/56/en

Knife Safety

• Keep your blades sharp. A dull knife is difficult to push through wood, requiring additional force. When the wood finally gives, the blade keeps going.
• Always push the blade away from you, and constantly consider where the blade will go.
• Keep your fingers clear of the blade at all times.
• When splitting wood with a knife, do not hammer on the back of the blade. This weakens the attachment to the handle and deforms the blade.
• Close a pocket knife when it's not in use or when you are carrying it.
• Keep all blades away from heat. Heat will remove the temper, softening the blade. A soft blade will not hold an edge, making it nearly impossible to keep it sharp.

Hatchet Safety

• Before chopping any wood, take a gentle practice swing to check that the axe will not catch on anything (such as an overhead branch).
• Consider what will happen if you miss whatever you are chopping at - will you accidentally hit a finger? A foot? A bystander? Leave plenty of margin for error.
• Make sure the axe head is firmly attached to the axe handle. If it is loose, you may tighten it by wetting the handle, by driving a hardwood wedge into the handle through the eye of the blade, or by rapping the axe handle vertically on a hard surface.
• Keep bystanders away by one arms length plus two axe-lengths.
• When handing someone an axe, present the handle to them rather than the blade.
• Walk with the blade facing away from you.
• Sheathe the axe when it is not in use.
• Always maintain firm footing when using or carrying an axe.
• Stop when you are tired and rest. Tired people are more prone to accidents and mistakes.