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F1 USING KNIVES, BLADES, AND CUTTING TOOLS SAFELY

Note to the speaker: Demonstrate principles related to safe use of cutting instruments commonly used in your department.
Describe how to safely use, store, sharpen and disposal procedures.
Theme scripture: Pr 12:18
I. Blades and cutting instruments are used almost daily.
A. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
1. Scissors, razor blades, knives (hobby, kitchen, utility, etc.), cutlass (machete), shears, etc.
B. Used daily in a wide variety of work areas:
1. Kitchen, hair care, medical, grounds maintenance, building and equipment maintenance, construction,
literature production, shipping and receiving, etc.
C. Like “words” can be useful tool, but if used “thoughtlessly” can cause serious injury. (Pr 12:18)
II. Protect yourself and others
A. General safety principles and practices
1. Demonstrate several of the main points below applicable to your work
a. Examples: opening a sealed carton, chopping vegetables, cutting weeds with cutlass (machete),
cutting insulation or gypsum board products, etc.
2. Use cut resistant gloves if available.
a. NOTE: Cut resistant gloves are a supplement to (not a substitute for) safe practices.
3. Storage and transport:
a. Do not carry or store a tool with the blade exposed.
i. Cutting edge should be covered or retracted into the handle, if applicable, and pointed toward
the ground.
ii. Cutlass (machete) are often not supplied with a sheath/cover. Some commendably make a
sheath or cover out of a sturdy material, or wrap it in layers ofcloth or newspaper.
b. Never climb a ladder while holding a cutting instrument or blade of any kind in your hand.
c. Never store knives and blades with the sharp edge exposed.
d. Deenergize and lockout/tagout power tools and equipment when replacing blades or bits.
e. Never place a blade, knife, or any other sharp item where it could in juresomeone.
4. Do not use scissors as a knife.
a. e.g. to open a box or carton
5. Never cut toward you or someone else.
6. Keep fingers and other body parts away from cutting area.
7. Do not use excessive force.
a. The blade may break or slip and injure you or someone else.
b. If a blade will not cut with use of moderate force, replace or sharpen the tool.
8. Do not use loose razor blade for cutting or scraping.
a. Blade should always be inserted in a tool with a protective handle before use.
III. Servicing and disposal
A. Ask for personal experiences of any accidents or near-misses when changing or sharpening blades, or knives, or
from improper disposal.
B. Briefly demonstrate how to safely change and (if applicable) sharpen or hone knives or blades.
1. NOTE: It is a requirement in printing branches to barricade the knife sharpening area when in use and to
call out “KNIFE!” repeatedly when removing or installing knives or blades.
C. Disposal: Follow any directive from governmental authorities.
1. Cite any that apply.
D. Discard in appropriate container identified for blade disposal.
1. Follow the principle to not dispose or discard any blade with an edge exposed.
a. Tape may be sufficient on smaller blades to cover the sharp edge.
b. Use a grinder to dull larger blades before disposal.

T O B E C OVERED I N 10 M INUTES

Review:
1. What are some common hazards with the knives and blades you use?
2. How do we change or sharpen blades?
3. What is the safe way to dispose of used blades?
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