Reason Why Outline Nearly 40 percent of all injuries attributed to manual workshop tools in the UK involve knifes with or without retractable blades. We have had a series of accidents where employees have been injured. The use of safety knifes that have been designed and selected to minimise the risk of accidents will reduce the likelihood of employees injuring themselves. This talk covers the precautions that should be applied when using knives, the PPE that must be worn and introduces the new range of approved safety knives that must be used. General Precautions The following are safety precautions to keep in mind when using safety knifes: 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 safety 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 recent years. 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 safety knives to pry loose objects. Dispose of dull or broken blades in a puncture-resistant container. Common Cases of Accidents Many 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 Introduction of an Approved Range of Safety Due to the serious nature of the hazards and risks associated with knives we are introducing a new range of safety knives into our working environment. Our employees safety is of paramount concern and these new knives will help in reducing risks TBT 85 Rev: 1 04 Sep 14
Use of Non Approved Knifes Problems arise when some employees don t have or can t find a safety knife supplied by the company. As a result, they tend to use whatever is handy, such as a pocket knife or bring their own tool into work. This practice is strictly prohibited and anyone found using non approved knives may face disciplinary action. Purchasing will no longer purchase knives that are not approved or are not covered by a Risk Assessment. This means that it will be easy to spot non approved knives on sites. An amnesty period will commence on 22 Sep 14 until 03 Oct 14 where any non approved knife can be removed from site or handed in for disposal. The use of non approved knives after the 10 Oct 14 is prohibited. Risk Assessments and PPE All activities involving the use of knifes must be fully risk assessed. Where you cannot use an approved safety knife then a specific Risk Assessment must be carried out to justify the use of a knife that is not approved. In these instances the use of such knives must be approved by the SHE Department. YOU MUST ask your supervisor to see the risk assessment before starting to use an non approved knife. Additional PPE may be required when using knifes. In all cases cut resistant gloves must be worn when cutting using knives. Approved Knifes Merak Maxisafe Securemax 150 Easysafe TBT 85 Rev: 1 04 Sep 14
The use of fixed blades, pocket knifes or home made blades is prohibited in operational areas on all sites. Task specific use of Knifes that have a open blade that does not automatically retract must be approved by the SHE Department.
Maxisafe Maxisafe No. 60099 Maxisafe No. 99 Merak Maxisafe No. 98 Martego No. 92 Easysafe Cartonax No.45 Securemax 150 Disposable
Banned Knifes
Banned Knifes
Leave Non Approved Knifes at Home