Shovels are used for digging, lifting, and transporting variable bulk materials, such as soil and gravel. The blade of the shovel can either be rounded or squared, and the blade should never be thrust into the ground haphazardly. Rather, the user should push on the top of the blade with his or her foot to sink the blade into the material. A shovel should never be used for heavy rock work or as a lever to lift heavy material because the handle may snap.