08/14/2025
SAFE Project Tool Use
Ensuring Age-Appropriate Participation in Scouting Activities
Creating safe, meaningful, and age-appropriate experiences is at the heart of every successful Scouting program. To support that goal, the Health and Safety Policies outlined on the Scouting Safety Resources page provide clear, age-based activity guidelines. These standards ensure that all Scouting experiences are not only developmentally appropriate but also physically and emotionally safe for every youth participant.
Whether you're planning a service project, camp activity, or outdoor adventure, these guidelines help deliver exciting, hands-on opportunities that foster growth—while keeping safety as the top priority! Here is a link to print a comprehensive list of the rank and age-appropriate guidelines PDF sheet for ALL Scouting activities.
Below are the minimum guiding protocols that adult leaders and other volunteers must consider when planning and conducting Scouting service projects involving the use of tools.
The SAFE Project Tool Use Guidelines are available here.
Reminder: If it is not practical to meet these protocols, do not conduct the activity or service project!
S = Supervision
Qualified supervision is on site. They must have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to operate or supervise the operation of all tools and equipment used for any activity or service project.
A = Assessment
Check the project area for hazards and clear workspace for tool use between participants.
Qualified supervisors will determine what personal protective equipment (PPE) is required. PPE examples include:
Work gloves
Safety glasses or face shield
Safety helmets/hardhats
Earplugs or muffs
Steel-toe shoes or sturdy work boots
Protective aprons or clothing
Fall protection
Recommendations of tool manufacturer
F = Fitness and Skills:
Participation in projects and the use of tools should be based on the mental, physical, emotional, and social maturity of youth and adult members.
Reminder: Lions and Tigers cannot use tools during service projects.
E = Equipment and Environment
Leaders must follow the most restrictive and protective guidelines. The table on page 2 of the SAFE Project Tool Use guidelines is not comprehensive; tool or equipment manufacturers’ safety literature about age and skills restrictions will supersede the recommendations. If in doubt, properly trained and/or experienced adults should be recruited for all tool use or job functions that might be hazardous or dangerous.
