Axes-Brush (Download)
Brush Axes http://www.americantrails.org/resources/info/tools3.html 1 Brush Axe A gardening and landscaping tool resembling an axe with a 12-inch (30 cm) curved blade and a 36-inch (91 cm) handle. It is commonly used by surveying crews to clear out heavy undergrowth from trails. karlkuemmerling.com/store/product7.html 2 Description and Use In the construction industry the brush axe is very commonly used to clear brush when large mechanized equipment cannot maneuver in the area or where equipment will damage the area to be cleared. 3 Description and Use A brush axe is often used for the removal of brush that is too heavy for a weed eater and too light for an axe. It can be either double-edged or single-edged, but single-edged brush axes are most common. Swung like an axe with an overhead swing or swung horizontally, the brush axe’s long 36 inch handle and heavy head give it a powerful cut. 4 Vegetation Control Brush Axes are a very effective tool for clearing the growth over hiking trails in hilly or mountainous regions where cumbersome equipment is impractical or impossible to use . http://blueandwhitecrew.org/overseerinfo/vegetation.php 5 Safety Guidelines Safety Concerns Defective Tool Insufficient PPE Improper technique Uncontrolled surroundings The major problem with the brush axe is that its ability to injure is not respected and it is not taken seriously. http :// www.tpub.com/content/shopequipment/TM-9-243/css/TM-9-243_253.htm 6 Safety Guidelines Handles with splinters, cracks, excessive twist or warp should be replaced or reconditioned. The axe head must be kept sharp and free of burrs and nicks The axe head must be set firmly on the handle When storing the axe, coat lightly with oil 7 Injuries: Brush Axe Lacerations Sprains and Strains Blunt force trauma Blisters Eye Injuries Others: Chiggers, Ticks, Snakes, Poison Ivy http://www.aurorahealthcare.org/yourhealth/healthgate/getcontent.asp?URLhealthgate=%22101013.html%22 8 Fatalities There have been no recorded fatalities directly linked to the use of the Brush Axe according to the OSHA fatality data from 1990 to 2009. 9 OSHA Regulations There is no specific reference in the OSHA regulations regarding the Brush Axe. The following are generic regulations that should be followed when using any hand tool of this nature. 10 OSHA Regulations 1910.266(e)(1)(i)The employer shall assure that each hand and portable powered tool, including any tool provided by an employee, is maintained in serviceable condition. 1910.266(e)(1)(ii)The employer shall assure that each tool, including any tool provided by an employee, is inspected before initial use during each work shift. At a minimum, the inspection shall include the following: 1910.266(e)(1)(ii)(A)Handles and guards, to assure that they are sound, tight-fitting, properly shaped, free of splinters and sharp edges, and in place http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/logging/sections/preamble/tools_preamble.html 11 PPE Long Pants Long-sleeved Shirt Goggles Gloves Hard Hat Steel Toe Boots http://www.tpub.com/content/construction/14256/img/14256_281_3.jpg 12 Technique Be sure to stand clear of others (6-8 ft ) Check swing clearance (hanging limbs and vines) Watch for residual stubble on ground Maintain good posture, feet apart Take measures against bugs, snakes, and harmful plants through PPE and clothing Maintain a firm grip on handle Cut with a slicing rather than a hacking motion and pull back on tool at the end of the swing to utilize the curved blade Carry tool with the head forward like a shovel when transporting 13 Best Practices Workers Should: Inspect the area to be cleared for hanging limbs and branches that could compromise proper swing technique Inspect the tool; head, handle, attachment Take frequent breaks; hydrate http://www.tpub.com/content/construction/14256/css/14256_281.htm 14 Think Safety Work Safely 15