AXES

1
AXES
2
AXE OVERVIEW

• Parts of the Axe
• History of the Axe
• Types of Axes
• Axe Accidents
• OSHA Regulations
• Safety Precautions
• Prevention
• Caring for your Axe

3
PARTS OF AN AXE

• The axe head is bound by the bit (blade) at one
  end and the poll (butt) at the other.
• The axe haft (handle) was traditionally made of
  hickory or ash, but modern axes are made of
  durable synthetic materials.

4
PARTS OF AN AXE CONT.

• 1.Axe eye
• 2. Upper corner, toe of a bit3. Axeblade,
  bit4. Cutting edge, edge curvature5. Sharpening
  bevel, bevel face6. Lower corner, heel of a
  bit7. Axe side, cheek8. Axe lip, or lug, gives
  more wood-to-metal contact and extra steady and
  durable fitting of the handle in the axe head.9.
  Axe head10. Poll, butt11. Shoulder of axe
  handle12. belly of axe handle13. Back of axe
  handle14. Throat of axe handle15. grip16. End
  knob, swell knob, caulked, prevents the axe from
  slipping out of the hands of the user

5
HISTORY OF THE AXE

• The first true hafted axes are known from the
  Mesolithic period (ca. 6000 BC).
• In the Roman times, the axe symbolized the
  authority to execute and were often used as
  symbols for Fascist Italy under Mussolini.
• In folklore, stone axes were sometimes believed
  to be thunderbolts and were used to guard
  buildings against lightning, as it was believed
  (mythically) that lightning never struck the same
  place twice.

6
TYPES OF AXES

• Axes may have a variety of heads depending upon
  use
• Felling axe
• Splitting Axe
• Broad axe
• Adze
• Weapons

7
AXE ACCIDENTS

• The injuries caused by axes in 2005 were caused
  by overexertion and being struck by the axe.
• In 2005, 71 of injuries caused by axes occurred
  on Mondays.
• In 2005, 57 of injuries caused by axes occurred
  between 8 AM and 12 PM.

8
AXE ACCIDENTS CONT.
9
AXE ACCIDENTS CONT.
10
OSHA REGULATIONS

• OSHA classifies axes as a Hand Tool
• According to OSHA 1926.300-301
• All Hand tools whether furnished by the employer
  or the employee shall be maintained in safe
  condition.
• The wooden handles of tools shall be kept free of
  splinters and shall be kept tight in the tool.
• Impact tools are unsafe if they have mushroomed
  heads. The heads could shatter on impact, sending
  sharp fragments flying

11
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Axes should be directed away from aisle areas and
  other employees in close proximity
• Appropriate protective equipment, e.g., safety
  goggles, gloves, etc., should be worn
• Around flammable substances, sparks produced by
  iron and steel hand tools can be a dangerous
  ignition source. Spark-resistant tools made from
  brass, plastic, aluminum, or wood will provide
  for safety.

12
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS CONT.

• The floors in areas where heavy tools such as
  axes are being used should be kept as clean and
  dry as possible to prevent any accidental slips.
• To prevent an axe from being snared in clothing
  the wielder should not wear scarves, ties,
  lanyards or any loose clothing.
• Never use a blunt axe as it may bounce off the
  material being cut but may still penetrate flesh.

13
PREVENTION

• The greatest hazards posed by hand tools result
  from misuse and improper maintenance.
• In order to eliminate these hazards which have
  the possibility of leading to an accident axes
  should be inspected before each use and should be
  used for their intended purpose.
• If an injury should occur, use proper first aid
  to stop any bleeding. Call 911 if necessary.

14
CARING FOR YOUR AXE

• Axes should be kept in a dry place, but still not
  so dry or warm that the handle risks shrinking in
  the axe head. See to it that the bit and the bit
  sheath are not wet when you put on the sheath.
• Grease the axe head with oil before the axe is
  put away for some time. If you dont grease it
  the axe head may become rusty.

15
ALWAYS THINK ABOUT SAFETY WHILE WIELDING AN AXE!
16
For more information regarding axe safety visit

• www.osha.gov
• http//www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/constructionsafety
  /
• http//www.gransfors.com/htm_eng/yxkunskap/index.h
  tml