Which of the following is true regarding hand tools?

• A. Point the blade of a sharp tool away from yourself to avoid injury if it slips during use.
• B. Point the blade toward yourself to maintain control
• C. Keep the blade close to your body at all times
• D. Swing the tool to clear obstacles

Answer: (A)

When using hand tools, the safest practice is to point the blade away from your body. This orientation creates a clear safety path if the tool slips or the cut goes off course, reducing the chance that the blade will contact your hands, arms, or torso. Keeping the blade aimed away also helps you maintain control, since your body posture and line of motion stay aligned with the tool’s path, allowing you to react quickly if something binds or binds the blade.

The other approaches raise risk. Pointing the blade toward yourself increases the likelihood that a slip could cut you, which is exactly what we want to avoid. Keeping the blade close to your body can trap you in the blade’s potential path and limit your control. Swinging the tool to clear obstacles is reckless because it can cause unintended contact with yourself, others, or nearby surfaces, and it often leads to loss of control.

Always prioritize a stable stance, a firm grip, and directing the blade away from your body to minimize injury risk during hand-tool use.