Fig. 2 shows a student using a wood chisel to shape a piece of softwood. The tool is used to shape and remove material in a controlled manner. It requires c...

(a) Two safe working practices when using a wood chisel: [2]

1. Always cut away from the body: Direct the chisel blade so that it moves away from the hands, arms, and body. If the chisel slips, it will travel away from the operator rather than toward them, reducing the risk of a cutting injury. [1]
2. Keep both hands behind the cutting edge: The hand holding the handle and the hand guiding the blade must both remain behind (not in front of) the sharp cutting edge at all times. This ensures that if the chisel slips forward unexpectedly, neither hand is in the path of the blade. [1]

Other valid practices include: securing the workpiece in a vice or with a bench hook so it cannot move during cutting; ensuring the chisel is sharp (a blunt chisel requires more force and is more likely to slip); wearing safety goggles to protect against flying wood chips.

(b) One reason for carrying out a risk assessment: [1]

A risk assessment identifies hazards (such as the sharp blade, flying wood chips, and the risk of the workpiece slipping) and plans control measures to reduce the likelihood and severity of injury. For example, the assessment would identify that the blade could slip and cut the user's hand, and the control measure would be to clamp the workpiece securely and always cut away from the body. Completing the assessment before work begins ensures appropriate precautions (correct PPE, safe technique, secure workholding) are in place from the start, rather than relying on reactive measures after an incident has occurred.