• hand tools need to be in good repair, with sharp blades. Use sensibly

• carry a tool sharp side down or secure in backpack

• work at least a tool length from next person

• if passing others, announce yourself and get an acknowledgment

• lay unused tools on the uphill side, handles pointing down

• grubbers, mattocks, axes, fire rake-hoes - all readily available

• long handled shears, pruning saw - always useful for small jobs

• purpose made track scrapers are strong and versatile - use them for digging, chopping and scraping; 300 x 70mm spring steel blades 7mm or 2mm thick, depending on nature of the digging - see illustration

• spring steel crowbars 22mm in diameter, 2m long, chisel one end and plain the other are best for removing or relocating rocks