1.2- Assignment (Unit 2): Demonstrate how to safely use a range of hand tools and explain their use to a client group at Forest School.

1.3- Assignment (Unit 2): Demonstrate the safe checking, cleaning, maintenance and storage of tools at a Forest School

Part 1 - Video of Tool Talk - Please find below video's of me discussing two tools.. As our Forest school does not own tools, I have had to borrow these tools. Although they do not have guards on them, I have described these within the tool talk.

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Part 2 - Produce detailed visual evidence demonstrating the safe use of the following four tools:

Loppers

Bowsaw

Knife

Billhook

Using a sheath knife:

We use a sheath knife to whittle wood and cut rope. A sheath knife will come with a cover and need to be removed when using and placed back on when finished. 

When a Sheath knife is in use, children must be told to keep the blade away with it on the outside of your body. It is important for a leader to supervise all tool use and make sure the children are seated correctly when using the knife. 

When finished with the knife, place it inside the sheath and put it away in its secure and safe place. When standing or walking with the knife the blade should be pointed down by your side. IF passing to a friend, hold the sheath and give the handle to the other person. If placed on the floor mid use, the handle should face forwards and blade inwards.  A glove should always be worn on the helper hand. 

To sharpen the knife we use a sharpening stone. It can be cleaned with a cloth and oil. The knife should always be stored in its sheath in a waterproof container.

Using a Bowsaw 

A bow saw is used to cut any wood bigger than a 2 pence piece. It is important children know it is only used for wood, nothing else. 

A bowsaw is to be used by two people, both kneeling. One child holds the handle whilst the second child holds the other side. Make an indentation into the wood, both users should have their hands through the handle holding the wood. Once the indentation has been made and the saw is less likely to bounce, the users can hold the wood adjacent to the saw. It is important for the children to communicate with each other as they saw backwards and forwards.  Before the children use the bowsaw the leader should ensure the children have spoken about their plan for use and understand each other's roles.  A leader should supervise all tool use.  

A glove should be worn on the helper hand but not on the hand using the tool. When standing or walking with the tool, it should be blade facing down, next to your leg. If the tool is placed on the floor, the blade should be facing towards the body and handle facing out. When not in use the sheath should be replaced. 

The blades can be changed if it becomes damaged or dull. To clean the blade, use a cloth and oil to remove dirt. The bowsaw should be stored in a waterproof container to keep clean and dry with its sheath on. 

Using Loppers

Loppers are used to cut any wood smaller than a 2 pence piece. 

One hand should  hold the top handle and one hand holds the bottom handles, not gloves are used for this tool as we need to maintain good grip with both hands. The loppers can be used in a scissoring motion. They are used by one person at a time, but if needed another person can hold the stick if it helps. 

When standing or walking with loppers, they are to be pointed blade down and forward, one hand holds the bottom handle and one hand holds the top. To pass the loppers you turn the blade towards yourself going past your body, the handles pointing to the other person to pass them over. If placing loppers on the floor, handles should be facing forwards and blade should be facing you. Loppers should be used two arms length distance away from anyone else. 

Loppers can be sharpened with the use of a round sharpening block. They should only be sharpened on the cutting edge side. Clean with a cloth and oil.  Always store in a waterproof container. 

Using a Billhook

A Billhook is used for splitting or cleaving larger pieces of wood. 

A billhook is use by two children, the first child takes hold of the billhook with one hand on the handle and two fingers pinching the end of the blade.  Place the blade on top of the wood that needs splitting. The second child uses a piece of wood or a mallet to hit the top of the Billhook and push the blade into the wood.  Communication is key here, the child who is holding the billhook tells the second child how many times to hit the Billhook and how many times, so they can be prepared, make sure the children are aware at all times when it will be hit. A leader should always supervise tools. 

When standing or walking with the billhook, the blade should be facing down and the hook facing forward. To pass it to a friend, hold the top of the tool, blade pointing down and pass the handle to your friend. If the Billhook is placed on the floor, the hook and blade should be facing inwards and the handle pointing forwards.

The blade can be sharpened using a sharpening stone. It can be cleaned with a cloth and oil. The billhook should be stored in its sheath and in a waterproof container.