Main risks

• Cuts or lacerations from the spade’s cutting edge and other sharp metal parts.
• Injuries to feet and ankles due to slips, trips or falls, or from leaving the spade on the ground improperly.
• Muscle and back injuries from lifting excessive loads or using incorrect technique.
• Flying debris such as stones, roots or compacted soil when digging in hard ground.
• Finger trapping between the handle and obstacles, or when thrusting and levering.
• Splinters, handle breakage or a loose head that may cause loss of control.
• Damage to buried pipes or cables when excavating without checking the area.
• Slips on wet, muddy or sloping surfaces.

Safe use

• Before starting, check that the handle has no cracks and that the head is firmly secured with no play.
• Wear sturdy gloves and closed footwear with a non-slip sole; consider safety glasses on stony ground.
• Hold the spade with both hands and keep the grips dry to prevent slipping.
• Adopt a stable posture: bend your knees, keep your back straight and push with your legs rather than lifting with your back.
• Do not overload the spade; move small, controlled loads, especially with wet soil or gravel.
• Keep a safe distance from other people and pets; turn and lift the spade away from your body and others.
• Survey the work area and proceed cautiously through the first layers to detect any irrigation, gas or electrical services.
• Do not use the spade as a lever to move large stones or pull out thick roots; use appropriate tools for that task.
• During breaks, leave the spade with the edge resting on the ground and the handle positioned safely to prevent trips or knocks.
• When carrying, keep the edge facing downwards and away from your body.

Storage and maintenance

• Remove soil and moisture after each use and dry the metal to reduce corrosion.
• If appropriate, apply a light coat of oil to the metal and store the edge free of burrs; use a protective sheath if available.
• Periodically inspect screws, rivets and the head fit; replace cracked handles or deformed parts.
• Store the spade in a dry place, hung by the handle or upright with the edge protected, away from walkways.
• Do not leave the tool outdoors; moisture and prolonged sun exposure deteriorate wood and metal.
• If sharpening, do so with the spade securely clamped, using hand protection and maintaining a uniform edge without excess.

Restrictions on use

• Not a toy: keep out of the reach of children; if used by minors, only using appropriate tools and under adult supervision.
• Do not use as a step, hammer or lever for extreme force.
• Do not dig in areas where cables or pipes may be present without first verifying their location.
• Do not use to handle very hot, corrosive or chemical materials unless the product clearly specifies this.
• Do not modify the handle or head; replace damaged parts rather than carrying out makeshift repairs.
• Avoid use if you are fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or medication that reduces alertness.