{"subTitle":"Simple advice from Scout Adventures for a basic camping task which, if delivered safely, is the source of great achievement for all young people and vital for the function of the camp","backgroundImage":{"url":null,"caption":null,"type":null,"size":0,"width":0,"height":0,"altText":null},"backgroundColour":null,"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFS315070\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E (Published April 2022, replacing January 2013)\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/6877/a-hand-axe-or-hatchet-1.png","width":1269,"height":719,"altText":"A hand axe or hatchet diagram","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/6874/a-bow-saw.png","width":1000,"height":243,"altText":"A diagram of a bow sand","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"gtmId","gtmClass":"gtmClass","image":"/media/6876/a-folding-saw.png","width":1003,"height":211,"altText":"A diagram of a folding saw","caption":"","link":null}]},{"items":[]}],"config":null}]},"sections":[{"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFit masks or sheaths to axe heads and saw blades, which should fit securely. Do not plant the head in the ground. An axe can be masked temporarily in the chopping block but make sure that the blade is securely wedged in the grain of the wood and that the haft does not pose a trip hazard. Saws are usually supplied with plastic clip-on masks that fit over the blade. Alternatively, make a mask from a split length of hosepipe.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EKeep axes and saws dry, and never leave them out overnight. Keep them in a stores tent in a locked box.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMaintain axes by sharpening them regularly, ideally after use and before putting them in storage. Saw blades are relatively cheap and can generally be replaced rather than sharpened. Treat axe heads and saw blades with gun oil or camellia oil to prevent rusting. Protect wooden handles by rubbing them with boiled linseed oil.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]},{"items":[]}],"config":null}]},"prev":null,"next":{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/safety-guidelines/","title":"Safety guidelines"},"allParts":[{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/good-practice/","title":"Good practice"},{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/safety-guidelines/","title":"Safety guidelines"},{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/using-and-sharpening-a-hand-axe/","title":"Using and sharpening a hand axe"},{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/using-a-bow-saw/","title":"Using a bow saw"}],"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/good-practice/","id":50730,"nodeName":"Good practice","title":"Good practice","type":"codexPart","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Good practice","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"","subHeader":"","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC81MDczMCJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/good-practice/"},{"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAxes and large saws can be difficult and dangerous to handle if they are too big for you to control effectively. Use a tool of a size and weight that is suited to the job and your level of ability.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWear appropriate clothing and footwear, avoiding scarves, lanyards or any loose items that could be snared. Boots should be worn rather than trainers. Tie long hair back.\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInspect tools before use. Check for damage and ensure that the parts are aligned and held together securely. Never use a blunt axe or saw, which is likely to slip or bounce on impact.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]},{"items":[]}],"config":null}]},"prev":{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/good-practice/","title":"Good practice"},"next":{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/using-and-sharpening-a-hand-axe/","title":"Using and sharpening a hand axe"},"allParts":[{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/good-practice/","title":"Good practice"},{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/safety-guidelines/","title":"Safety guidelines"},{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/using-and-sharpening-a-hand-axe/","title":"Using and sharpening a hand axe"},{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/using-a-bow-saw/","title":"Using a bow saw"}],"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/safety-guidelines/","id":50295,"nodeName":"Safety guidelines","title":"Safety guidelines","type":"codexPart","image":null,"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"Safety guidelines","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"searchDescription":"","subHeader":"","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC81MDI5NSJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/safety-guidelines/"},{"content":{"layouts":[{"type":"sidebar","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003EUsing a hand axe\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E1.\u003C/strong\u003E Mark out a clear chopping area, situated close to the fire area but separated from it by a graded woodpile.\u00A0The chopping area must be free of obstructions and trip hazards, and at least three axe lengths in radius\u00A0(eg an outstretched arm and the length of three axes). Place the chopping block in the centre. Axes should\u00A0only be used in this area, which should be clearly marked and enforced as a \u2018no go\u2019 zone for anyone who is not properly trained or clothed.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E2.\u003C/strong\u003E Crouch or kneel behind the chopping block.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E3.\u003C/strong\u003E Hold the wood to be chopped in one hand, and firmly grip the haft of the axe with the other.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E4\u003C/strong\u003E. Aim carefully and always try to hit the wood in the same place. When practising, it may help to make a chalk mark on the log.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E5\u003C/strong\u003E. Swing the axe in a chopping motion by bending your arm at the elbow, aiming to create a small \u2018V\u2019 with alternate angled cuts at 45 degrees. Do not chop straight down onto the wood, as this will cause the axe head to bounce.\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003E6\u003C/strong\u003E. As the \u2018V\u2019 widens, you will create chippings, and the wood will soon split. Clear the chippings away regularly and use them for kindling.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"type":"Plain","cta":"","body":"","link":null,"colour":null,"title":"Using a hand axe","image":"/media/6863/drawing-of-using-a-hand-axe.png?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1dbdb7d186811b0","imageFocus":"","imageId":14657,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]},{"items":[]}],"config":null}]},"prev":{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/safety-guidelines/","title":"Safety guidelines"},"next":{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/using-a-bow-saw/","title":"Using a bow 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saw","caption":"","link":null}]},{"items":[{"type":"Promo","cta":"","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGood sources of information include the books:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe Outdoor Adventure Manual (Haynes, 2013)\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EThe Complete Guide to Scouting Skills (Doubleday, 2010)\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003Cbr /\u003E\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EBushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival by Mors Kochanski (Lone Pine Publishing, 1988).\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","link":null,"colour":"#ffe627","title":"Find out more","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"prev":{"link":"/volunteers/staying-safe-and-safeguarding/safety/safe-camping-residentials-and-outdoor-skills/using-axe-and-saws-safely/using-and-sharpening-a-hand-axe/","title":"Using and sharpening a hand 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