Knife Use and Safety

/ Knife Use and Safety | 1

Knives can be very useful tools in a variety of situations. They are used to open cartons, cut off bindings, cut rope and other materials or other uses in different industries.

As with any tool, when properly respected and maintained, a good knife will serve its purpose well. More than some other tools, the knife must be used properly to be used safely.

A Sharp Knife is a Safe Knife

We should think of knives as any other tool that must be maintained on a regular basis. A knife should be used for its intended purpose and function.

Part of that regular maintenance must be proper sharpening. As strange as it sounds, a dull knife is more dangerous than a knife that is kept sharp. The employee using the knife is the only one who really knows when the knife is getting dull and requires sharpening.

Knives are used for slicing, so it will cut more efficiently and cleanly if it is sharp. A sharp knife will do the job more efficiently and safely than one that is dull and makes the employee push on it harder.

A sharp knife will always do the job most quickly, and allow the user to work with less effort and force in the hand, wrist and arm. This allows the user better control.

Dull knives make the user work harder and increase the opportunities for injury. With increased force, if a dull knife slips, it may end up injuring the user or cut deeper than intended.

Safety Tips

Handle, use and store knives (and other sharp utensil or tools) properly— with the blade covered.
Use the knife only for its intended purpose. Use the right knife for the job.
Never throw or drop the knife – set it down on a firm, secure surface.
Don’t carry a knife with the blade out of the sheath, or if you must carry an unsheathed knife, carry it down to your side with the tip pointing down and the cutting edge angled slightly away from your body.
Don’t hand a knife to your co-worker – set it down and let them pick it up.
Don’t use the knife as a hammer or a screw driver.
Never chop or strike objects when trying to cut them – not only might the blade slip but chips may fly off the piece being cut.
Never cut toward yourself, always cut away from yourself.
Keep fingers and thumbs out of the way of the cutting line.
Before cutting, ask yourself “If the knife slips, where will it go?”
Never try to catch a falling knife – let it fall instead.
Use any protective clothing provided by your employer.

Knife Sharpening

Knives may be kept sharp with a sharpening stone or with a sharpening system. Follow the directions for whatever system is being used.
If the knife is kept generally sharp, usually only a few strokes will be required to put the edge back onto it.
As with cutting, always sharpen away from your body.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE is often used by employees that must handle knives. Specialty gloves and arm protectors that prevent cuts and punctures are available. These include steel mesh and Kevlar.

Employee Training

Employers have the responsibility for protecting the safety and health of their employees. This includes, if applicable, instruction on proper knife safety and the use of sharpening devices.

Training Tips

Discuss where in your facility knives and cutting tools are used.
Review the facility’s knife policies with trainees.
Show samples of the knives used and demonstrate safe handling techniques.
Demonstrate, or have an experienced person demonstrate, how to sharpen a knife properly.

Knife Use and Safety Handout

Knives can be very useful tools in a variety of situations. As with any tool, when properly respected and maintained, a good knife will serve its purpose well.

Utility knives and box cutters are common in today’s workplace. Utility knives are used in a variety of applications such as shipping, receiving, grocery store stocking, restaurant work, meat packing, construction, manufacturing, and more. In fact, all places where boxes, cartons, bags, shrink wrap and other materials must be cut or opened, you will find utility knives and cutters.

A Sharp Knife is a Safe Knife

A dull knife is much more dangerous than one that is kept sharp.

Dull knives make the user work harder and increase the opportunities for injury.

If a utility knife blade is dull it should be replaced for safety and ease of cutting.

Safety Tips

Point the blade away from yourself when cutting. Make sure no body parts are in the cutting path. Also, be certain that other people are at a safe distance before cutting.
When not in use, see that you store your knife or cutter in a safe location. Be sure the blade is safely stored away.
Knives with retractable blades should have the blade retracted immediately after use. Self-retracting safety knives do this automatically, thereby protecting you and others without extra effort.
Utility knives, box cutters or any safety knives or cutters should be discarded or repaired if not working properly. The safety features of knives and cutters should not be circumvented or removed. Knives with damaged safety mechanisms should be discarded.
Utility knives work best when they're sharp. They are easier to operate and safer to use when sharp.
Dispose of dull or rusty blades in a blade disposal container. Never discard loose blades in the garbage or leave them where they can injure an unsuspecting person.
Use knives and cutters for their intended purpose. Using your knife in a way in which it was not designed or on the wrong materials can damage the blade and cause injury to yourself or others.
Use knives and cutters for their intended purpose. Using your knife in a way in which they were not designed or on the wrong materials can damage the blade and cause injury to yourself or others.
If a knife is falling, even a safety knife, you risk injury by trying to stop it with your hand or foot. Let the knife fall to the ground rather than trying to grab it as it falls.
Do not toss a knife to someone. It is also recommended that you do not hand a knife directly to someone. Set the knife down and let the other person pick it up.

Knife Sharpening

Knives may be kept sharp with a sharpening stone or with a sharpening system.
As with cutting, always sharpen away from your body.
Blades on retractable knives should be replaced when dull.

Knife Use and Safety Sign–Off Sheet

The employees of ______Company Name______, have taken part in a training session on Knife Use and Safety. The session covered:

Where in the workplace knives are used.
Some of the hazards associated with the use of knives.
Safe handling tips when working with knives.
Why it is important to keep the knife sharp.
How to sharpen a knife.

Date of Training: / Facility:
Employee Signature / PRINT NAME

______

Supervisor’s Signature