Utility Knife Safety
Box Cutters and Untility Knives can be very helpful- but also VERY DANGEROUS!
Safety Video Dangerous Ways to Use the Knife Video (trigger warning)
If there’s one hand tool that demands your respect over many others in the workplace, a tool that can cut you to the bone in an instant . . . the utility knife.
To Remember When Using the Knife:
Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes in case a blade breaks.
Always use a sharp blade. They are safer than a dull blade.
Hand a utility knife to another person CLOSED and with the handle first.
Keep extremities (fingers and hands) out of the cutting path- ALWAYS!
Don’t apply too much pressure on the blade.
Several shallow cuts are better than one deep one.
Whenever you are finished using it, ALWAYS make sure the blade is put away (closed).
Don’t use utility knives to pry loose objects.
Point the blade away from yourself when cutting.
Make sure no body parts are in the cutting path.
When not in use, see that you store your knife or cutter in a safe location (with the teacher).
Knives with retractable blades should have the blade retracted immediately after use.
Utility knives are safest when they're sharp. If your blade is dull, have it fixed by the teacher.
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. EVER.
If there is a problem with a blade, tell the teacher immediately!
Utility knives are extremely handy on the job, but they can also cause serious injuries. Be careful!
*Cut tendons cannot grow back on their own. You'll need sugery!*
We will have a closed note safety quiz on Utility Knife safety tomorrow.