Main risks

• Severe cuts from the exposed cutting edge during handling and transport.
• Impacts from deflection or rebound of the axe that may strike legs, feet or knees.
• Flying splinters or fragments when splitting wood, posing a risk to eyes and skin.
• Detachment of the head or breakage of the handle if loose, damaged or worn.
• Loss of control due to a wet or greasy grip, or unsuitable gloves.
• Accidents caused by working on unstable surfaces, in poor lighting, or with people nearby.

Safe use

• Before each use, check that the head is securely fixed, the wedge and handle are free from cracks, and the cutting edge has no pronounced nicks.
• Fit a sheath or edge protector for transport and remove it only when starting work.
• Wear safety glasses, good-grip gloves and sturdy, toe-capped footwear; avoid loose clothing and dangling accessories.
• Prepare the area: stable ground, good lighting and a wide radius free of people, pets and obstacles.
• Work on a block or stable base; do not hold the workpiece with your hand in the path of the swing.
• Use a two-handed grip, feet apart and clear of the line of cut; controlled strikes, avoiding overexertion.
• Avoid striking stone, metal or the ground; if the wood may contain nails or other foreign objects, inspect it first.
• Stop work if the handle or your hands are wet, if you are tired, or if your concentration declines.

Storage and maintenance

• After use, clean and dry the axe; remove dirt or resin from the cutting edge and the handle.
• Store it with a sheath or protector, out of reach of children, in a dry, ventilated place, avoiding prolonged damp and extreme heat.
• Hang or place it so it cannot fall or cause cuts when picked up.
• Periodically check the condition of the handle and the fit of the head; replace cracked, loose or deformed parts. Do not improvise repairs with tape or unsuitable wedges.
• Keep the edge in good condition using appropriate tools and with the tool immobilised; use hand and eye protection during sharpening.

Restrictions on use

• For adult use only; keep the axe away from minors. Inexperienced persons should practise under competent supervision.
• Do not use the axe as a lever, as a hammer on metal or to strike metal wedges or other objects not intended.
• Do not work at height, on ladders or on slippery or unstable surfaces.
• Do not use near electrical cables, pipes, glass or other areas where there is a risk of causing damage.
• Do not throw it or leave it embedded in walkways; always transport with the edge protected.
• Always maintain a safe distance from other people and animals during use and during the backswing.