A shovel is a tool used for digging, lifting, and moving bulk materials like soil, coal, gravel, sand, or ore. It is commonly used in agriculture, construction, and gardening. Safety is important when using a shovel - inspect it for defects before use, and do not overextend or twist your body. Proper form such as keeping your back straight, bending at the knees, and not lifting loads over 15 pounds can prevent injury.

3. SHOVEL
Major Functions-
- is a tool for digging, lifting, and moving bulk materials, such as soil, coal, gravel, snow, sand, or ore.
Shovels are extremely common tools that are used extensively in agriculture, construction, and gardening.
-digging, lifting, and moving material
-Extracting a stuck vehicle from mud, sand, or snow. Spreading gravel on an icy road.
-Lifting a spare tire onto lug bolts, when adequate brute force is not available. Clearing away cactus.
-Digging a footing. Leveling a yard. Uncovering water or sewer lines for remedy, or digging new ones.
-Marking, tilling, furrowing, weeding, or irrigating a garden. Removing weeds and shrubs too big to hoe.
-Planting trees. Tamping dirt around a new post. Opening a gopher hole to set a trap.
-Mixing cement or mortar in a wheel barrow. Reaching a peach or an apple on a high branch.
-Killing a rattlesnake. (Smack it hard in the middle with the flat of the blade. This will momentarily stun
the snake so he can’t dodge. Then quickly turn the blade over and chop his head off. Bury the head,
which remains dangerous to pets and children.)
-Killing packrats. (Dig them out, then same technique as snake.)
- For cleaning ditches, digging and moving soil and other granular material.
Safety Measures
-Select the correct shovel or rake for your job. A square-bladed shovel is used for lifting and moving
loose material. A round-bladed shovel is used for digging and a garden spade for turning soil,
transplanting, and edging. Fan-shaped leaf rakes are for raking leaves and other garden debris.
Level-headed rakes are used for grading and smoothing garden surfaces.
- Prior to use, always inspect the rake or shovel for defects or damage (e.g., splintered, loose, bent,
or cracked tool handles, loose connections, and damaged tines or blade).
- Leaving a wood-handled shovel outdoors in the rain may lead to wood decay inside the shovel head
attachment area which can result in the shovel head breaking off and possibly causing an injury.
- If a rake or shovel fails your inspection, remove it from use.
-Shovel loads should not be thrown above about four feet or further than
about three feet. Never toss of flip shovel loads over your shoulder. Keep shovel loads under 15
pounds.
-Before shoveling, inspect the area for obstructions such as cables and pipes.
-When shoveling, stand upright and bend your knees so your legs carry most of the load. Push the
shovel blade into the soil or material to obtain a shovel load. Keep your arms and elbows close to
your body when handling a shovel load.

4. - Lift the shovel load by straightening your legs.
- Never twist your trunk when raking or moving a shovel load. Always turn
your feet and body in the direction where you wish to pile leaves or spread
or drop the shovel load.
- Never overextend your arms or shoulders to load a shovel.
- When digging, use the ball of your foot to push the shovel blade into the
ground.
-Use a rake or shovel that is comfortable for your height and strength. Do not use a rake or shovel
that is too long or heavy for you. A garden shovel should have a length that is approximately the
same as from the ground to between your elbow and chest height.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from blisters.
- Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes or boots when raking or shoveling.
HOW TO CONDUCT CHECKING OF TOOLS FOR POSSIBLE
DEFECTS AND FAULTS
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