FIXED OPEN BLADE KNIVES

Knives are necessary tools in many workplaces, and they are used daily in virtually every industry. Companies need them to get boxes opened, materials cut and to perform general maintenance tasks. It is essential that your employees understand how to use knives correctly, and that they follow safety rules in every situation.

ACCIDENTS INVOLVING UTILITY KNIVES OCCUR FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:

• Drawing the knife towards you instead of away from your body.
• Working with a dull blade. (Dull blades require more pressure, increasing the potential for injury.)
• Trying to cut more than the knife can handle.
• Improperly storing the knife with the blade extended.
• Failing to wear personal protective equipment.
• Neglecting to inspect the tool before use.
• Blade and tip are left exposed when put away, laid down or put in tool boxes.

Use the Right Tool for the Job

Every tool is unique and built for specific tasks. Therefore, there are right knives for a job, and there are also wrongs ones. Regular utility knives, scissors and retractable safety knives each have their intended purposes.

Factors to Consider When Selecting the Right Safety Knives:

Knife Blade – What kind of blade is appropriate for the job? Should it be firm or flexible? Does it need to be retractable?

Knife Edge – Do you need a fine edged blade for a smooth, clean cut? Would serrated blades be more effective?

Handle Size – Is the size of the knife’s handle large enough for a secure grip? If your employee can’t get a good hold, their hand could slip forward over the blade when they are cutting.

Handle Design – How often will your employees be using their knives? Is an ergonomic design important to alleviate injuries that repetitive movements could cause?

Material – What material is the knife made from? Your industry may determine what type you need. For example, if you are in the food and beverage industry, your knives must be made of a material that will not rust and is detectable with a metal detector.

When you have the right tools for the job, you are doing your part to ensure your team’s safety. Plus, having the appropriate tools also makes it easier for your employees to do their work and can increase their productivity.

IMPLEMENT A COMPREHENSIVE KNIFE SAFETY PROGRAM

Creating and implementing a comprehensive knife safety program is essential in making sure that your workers follow all of the proper safety procedures every time they use a knife.

The following are safety precautions to keep in mind when using utility knives:

• Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes in case a blade breaks.
• Always use a sharp blade. They are safer than a dull blade.
• Wear cut resistant gloves and sleeves (at least Level 3) to protect your hands and arms.
• Hand a utility knife to a co-worker with the handle first.
• Use one of the newer model self-retracting blade knives. The technology has increased the safety of this tool tremendously over the past several years.
• If the application allows, use one of the new knives with a shielded knife surface such as the Klever Kutter or similar.
• Consider using a rounded tip blade if the application allows for such.
• Ensure the blades are properly positioned in the handle before use.
• Keep extremities out of the cutting path.
• Don’t apply too much pressure on the blade.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions when changing blades.
• Don’t use utility knives to pry loose objects.
• Dispose of dull or broken blades in a puncture-resistant container.
• Use of disposable knives with breakaway blades is not meant for industrial use. Stay away from them.

FINAL WORD

There are many other hazards and best practices depending on the work tasks being performed. For example, considerations and best practices regarding knife use vary greatly between an electrician and a cook in a restaurant. Evaluate the work tasks and the knives being used for these tasks.