When moving a sharp hand tool from one location to another, you should keep the blade pointing away from your body.

When moving a sharp hand tool from one location to another, you should keep the blade pointing away from your body.

• A. Away from your body
• B. Toward your body
• C. Flat against your thigh
• D. Pointing upward

Answer: (A)

The main safety idea is controlling where a sharp edge can move. When you carry or move a sharp hand tool, directing the blade away from your body minimizes injury if you lose grip or stumble. If the edge is pointed away, any sudden movement tends to push the blade outward rather than toward you, so a potential slip is less likely to cut you or snag on clothing or gear. This orientation also gives you better control and a predictable path for the tool, reducing the chance of it brushing against your skin or hitting a limb. Other positions don’t provide the same protection: toward your body raises the risk of cutting you, keeping the blade flat against your thigh offers little protection and can still lead to contact if you shift, and pointing upward can bring the edge toward your face or chest.

The main safety idea is controlling where a sharp edge can move. When you carry or move a sharp hand tool, directing the blade away from your body minimizes injury if you lose grip or stumble. If the edge is pointed away, any sudden movement tends to push the blade outward rather than toward you, so a potential slip is less likely to cut you or snag on clothing or gear. This orientation also gives you better control and a predictable path for the tool, reducing the chance of it brushing against your skin or hitting a limb. Other positions don’t provide the same protection: toward your body raises the risk of cutting you, keeping the blade flat against your thigh offers little protection and can still lead to contact if you shift, and pointing upward can bring the edge toward your face or chest.