Main risks

• Deep cuts and punctures from the exposed edge during use, transport or sharpening.
• Impacts to legs and feet by entering the cutting path of the sickle, billhook or scythe.
• Ejection of splinters, stones or thorns on impact with the material.
• Loss of control due to wet or slippery handles or an improper grip.
• Blade breakage or detachment due to rust, cracks or loose fixings.
• Fatigue and overexertion that reduce precision and increase the risk of an accident.
• Spring-back of tensioned branches that may strike the user.
• Falls or trips on uneven ground while carrying the tool.

Safe use

• Before starting, check that the blade and handle are secure, with no cracks, looseness or corrosion.
• Wear cut-resistant gloves, safety glasses, long sleeves and sturdy footwear with non-slip soles.
• Maintain a safe distance from other people and pets; work with clear space around the cutting arc.
• Hold the tool with a secure, dry grip; always cut away from your body and without crossing your legs.
• Match the tool to the task: vegetation appropriate to its size and hardness; avoid forcing cuts it is not designed to make.
• Work at a controlled pace with steady footing; avoid sudden movements and turns that unbalance you.
• Check the ground and scrub before cutting; avoid striking stones, wire or other hard materials that can damage the edge and be thrown.
• Do not use the tool on ladders, on unstable surfaces, in heavy rain, strong wind or low light.
• When moving around, fit a sheath or guard and carry the edge facing downwards and away from the body.
• During sharpening, immobilise the blade, wear gloves and eye protection, and make strokes moving your hand away from the edge.
• Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and maintain adequate hydration.

Storage and maintenance

• Clean the tool after use to remove sap, soil and moisture; dry thoroughly to prevent rust.
• Apply a light coat of protective oil to the blade and metal areas as needed.
• Always store with a sheath or edge guard, out of the reach of children and in a dry, ventilated place.
• Hang the tool or place it on a stable rack; avoid leaving it on the ground with the edge exposed.
• Sharpen periodically; a dull edge requires more force and increases the risk.
• Frequently check the condition of the handle and fixings; replace or repair if there is looseness, cracks or deformation.
• For transport, secure the tool with its sheath and prevent it from moving about in the vehicle.

Restrictions on use

• Not a toy; keep out of the reach of children. For use only by adults or under strict supervision and with a tool suited to the user's size.
• Do not use under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or when extremely fatigued.
• Do not use for prying, hammering, digging or as a multi-purpose tool.
• Do not fell trees or cut thick logs or very hard wood for which it is not designed.
• Do not use near electrical cables, electrified fences or on metal, stone or glass.
• Do not carry on a belt without a rigid, well-fitted sheath.
• Do not modify the blade or handle (bending, heating, grinding) or use the tool if it shows damage or loose parts.
• Stop using immediately if control is lost, if the ground is unstable, or if other people enter the work area.