Knife Handling

Your Complete Attention is Required when using a Knife

1. Select the knife most suitable for the job

2. Keep the knives in good condition, the handle clean and the blade sharp – never use a blunt knife

3. Hold the knife correctly – to avoid slips the grip should be firm but not excessively tight

4. Put the knife away , e.g. in a sheath, whenever it is not in use – never leave knives lying about on tables etc. where they may be covered by other objects

5. Never walk around with an unsheathed knife or carry it knife-point up

6. Maintain enough room between people so that the person using a knife won’t be bumped or inadvertently slip and cut someone else

7. A protective glove should be worn on the non-knife hand

8. Wherever practicable, cut away from the body. Protective aprons should be worn during work where it is necessary to pull the knife with the point towards the body, such as in boning cuts.

9. Cutting surfaces (e.g. tables, boards) should be maintained in clean and smooth condition

10. Keep work surfaces and floors clean and tidy to avoid a slip or trip

11. Never try to catch a falling knife

12. Safely dispose of knives that have a narrow blade due to excessive re-sharpening – these narrow blades can snap during use, creating a dangerous projectile