GUIDANCE ON
THE SAFE USE OF AXES
Thank you for purchasing a Sealey product. Manufactured to a high standard, this product will, if used according to these instructions,
and properly maintained, give you years of trouble free performance.
1. GENERAL SAFETY
Perform a risk assessment before using the axe. Ensure the area is clean and well lit. Always wear appropriate clothing, eye protection
and footwear when using an axe. Additional PPE may be required depending on the task at hand. DO NOT use this product if you are
tired or under the inuence of drugs, alcohol or medication. Be aware of the presence of other personnel in the working area.
2. AXE TYPE
Axes and hatches described in the standard are designed for cutting and chopping wood. Other uses could be dangerous. Never use
an axe or hatchet as a wedge or maul and never use as a hammer, for example, to drive a wedge. Always select a suitable tool, of the
appropriate type, size and weight, for the job concerned. See table below.
TYPE OF AXE DESCRIPTION USE
FELLING AXE A large axe with long handle and broad, heavy blade. Making clean cuts through wood.
SPLITTING MAUL A heavy axe with a short handle and thick, wedge-
shaped blade.
Splitting wood.
HATCHET A small, light axe designed to be used with one hand. Often used for camping, hiking, and bushcraft.
CARPENTER’S AXE A medium-size axe with a long handle. Used for a variety of woodworking tasks, such as
chopping, splitting, and carving
MATTOCK/PICKAXE An axe with a broad blade on one end of the head and
a pick or axe on the other.
The blade is used for digging and chopping,
while the pick or axe is used for breaking up hard
ground or roots.
3. WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES
Always wear safety glasses when using an axe or hatchet. This is especially important as wood can chip and y.
4. STRIKING TECHNIQUE
It is essential for safety that operators are trained in the relevant skills. Always adopt a rm stance or position when using an axe or
hatchet. Ensure you grip the tool and have control at all times. Always strike squarely and avoid glancing blows.
5. INSPECT BEFORE USE
Examine hatchets and axes before each use for any sign of damage to either handle or head and for any looseness of the handle or
shaft. Where damage has occurred, remedial action should be taken, e.g. re-shafting, re-sharpening or, if necessary replacement of the
complete tool.
6. STORAGE
Store tools in a cool dry place and in a clean condition. Where either complete tools or replacement handles are stored in bulk, store
them in a cool dry place, preferably with humidity control. Do not expose them to bright sunlight and place tools or handles in excess of
1m length horizontally in racks to avoid warping. Use stock in rotation according to age, the oldest being used rst. Always take care to
provide cutting edge protection when the tool is not in use.
7. INSPECT REGULARLY
Inspect axes and hatchets regularly to ensure they are t for purpose. A blunt axe can be dangerous. If in doubt, seek specialist advise
or contact the manufacturer.
8. AVOID OVERHEATING WHEN SHARPENING
Avoid overheating when re-sharpening an axe or hatchet. Excess heat will ruin the temper of the hardened zone. Always seek specialist
advise if in doubt.
IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. NOTE THE SAFE OPERATIONAL
REQUIREMENTS, WARNINGS & CAUTIONS. USE THE PRODUCT CORRECTLY AND WITH CARE FOR
THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH IT IS INTENDED. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY CAUSE DAMAGE AND/OR
PERSONAL INJURY AND WILL INVALIDATE THE WARRANTY. KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS SAFE FOR
FUTURE USE.
Sealey Group, Kempson Way, Suffolk Business Park, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. IP32 7AR
01284 757500 sales@sealey.co.uk www.sealey.co.uk
Note: It is our policy to continually improve products and as such we reserve the right to alter data, specications and component parts without prior notice.
Important: No Liability is accepted for incorrect use of this product.
Warranty: This product comes with a lifetime guarantee. Proof of purchase is required for any claim.
ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Recycle unwanted materials instead of disposing of them as waste. All tools, accessories and packaging should be
sorted, taken to a recycling centre and disposed of in a manner which is compatible with the environment. When
the product becomes completely unserviceable and requires disposal, drain any uids (if applicable) into approved
containers and dispose of the product and uids according to local regulations.
REGISTER YOUR
PURCHASE HERE
Axes Issue 1 05/09/23
Original Language Version
© Jack Sealey Limited
Refer to
instruction
manual
Wear eye
protection
