Main risks

• Cuts and punctures from points, edges and burrs.
• Impacts, kickback and flying fragments when driving with a hammer or mallet.
• Damage to buried pipes, cables or irrigation systems, with a potential electric shock hazard if a cable is pierced.
• Trips or falls caused by stakes that protrude or are poorly visible.
• Instability of tarpaulins, nets or plant supports if the stake is set too shallow or in unsuitable ground.
• Corrosion, deformation or splinters (in metal or wooden models) that may cause failure under load.

Safe use

• Inspect each stake before use: straightness, absence of cracks, excessive rust or deformed tips.
• Check the ground where you will drive the stake and avoid buried services (irrigation, drainage, gas, electricity); if you are unsure, change the location.
• Select firm ground free of large stones; in hard or dry soils, moisten the area or make a pilot hole.
• Drive with a suitable mallet, using safety goggles, gloves and closed-toe footwear; keep hands away from the striking point.
• Insert the stake vertically or at the angle intended for the application, and to a sufficient depth for the expected load.
• Fit caps, covers or visible signage to any exposed tips; avoid leaving sharp ends in walkways.
• To remove, loosen the ground and pull in a controlled manner with a rocking motion; keep other people outside the working radius.

Storage and maintenance

• Clean off soil and moisture after use and dry thoroughly to minimise corrosion.
• Store the stakes in a dry, ventilated place, with tip protectors fitted and out of reach of children and pets.
• Periodically check for deep rust, bends or splinters; discard any damaged units.
• Avoid prolonged contact with fertilisers or other chemicals that may degrade the material.
• During transport, bundle them together and protect the tips to prevent damage and injury.

Restrictions of use

• Intended for light-duty fixing in garden and outdoor use; do not use the stakes as safety anchors, for climbing or to support people.
• Not suitable for driving into hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt) or for frozen ground without specific tools.
• Do not use as electrical components or to make earthing connections.
• Do not modify, deliberately bend or weld; an altered stake may fail unpredictably.
• Avoid placing them in walkways, access routes or play areas; if they cannot be removed, mark or cover the tips and ends.
• Keep out of reach of children; use requires adult supervision.