28/03/24 Risk assessment for : Fiona Cairns Ltd

Fiona Cairns Ltd

Risk Assessment for

Use of Knives, Scalpels & Sharp Hand Tools

This Risk Assessment is an example only and must be reviewed/amended to suit your own business practices and working
environment.

Reference number RA411.

Date completed 09/11/22

Review Schedule Annually

Review date 09/11/22

Approved date

Approved by

Use of Knives, Scalpels & Sharp Hand Tools

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28/03/24
Hazards and controls
Hazard: Biohazards
Who can be harmed/how?
All Staff
Risk of infection from
contact/exposure to biological
substances.
Hazard: Sharp Hand Tools
Who can be harmed/how?
All Staff
Inappropriate use and storage of
implements could cause injuries
such as cuts to hands and
fingers.
Risk assessment for : Fiona Cairns Ltd
Controls in place Risk rating
Appropriate first Aid kit available Low Risk: 8
Gloves Worn - EN 455 Single-Use Medical Gloves Likelihood: 1/9
Gloves Worn - EN 455 Single-Use Medical Gloves Severity: 8/9
Good Hand Washing/Hygiene Procedures Observed
Good hand washing procedures observed to reduce the
risk of skin disorders and promote good hygiene
Hygiene Procedures in Place & Followed
Hygiene procedures in place & followed
Controls in place Risk rating
'Safer Sharps' with Protection Mechanisms Used Low Risk: 7
'Safer Sharps' with Protection Mechanisms Used
Likelihood: 1/9
Appropriate first Aid kit available Severity: 7/9
Employees Trained On 'Safer Sharps'
Employees have received training in accordance with the
Sharp Instruments in Healthcare Regulations
Sharps Disposal Bin Provided & Used
Sharps bin provided & used for discarding any sharps,
needles etc. & disposed of when full.
Sharps Handled With Care (Tools)
Open-bladed knives & other sharp tools are to be carried
and used so as not to cause injury.
Use of Knives, Scalpels & Sharp Hand Tools
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28/03/24 Risk assessment for : Fiona Cairns Ltd

Hazard: Use of knives (cutting & similar activity)

Risk of injury whilst using sharp knives for cutting, carving, cleaving & boning activities

Who can be harmed/how? Controls in place Risk rating

Operators Appropriate First Aid Provided Low Risk: 7

Casualties treated by first aider until emergency help
Risk of injury whilst using sharp Likelihood: 1/9
arrives
knives for cutting activities Severity: 7/9
Correct Knife Selection
Staff are trained in correct knife selection.

Knives Sterilised/Cleaned After Each Use

Knives Sterilised/Cleaned After Each Use

Knives Stored Safely

Knives Stored Safely

Training In The Safe Use Of Knives Given

Staff have been trained in the safe use of knives

Use of Knives, Scalpels & Sharp Hand Tools

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28/03/24 Risk assessment for : Fiona Cairns Ltd

Risk rating explanation

Risk ratings are calculated by considering the likelihood of an event occurring along with the severity of the potential consequence should an
accident occur. After considering existing control measures, values are assigned to the likelihood and severity from the scales below and these
figures multiplied to established the risk rating.

Highly unlikely Likely Highly likely

1 5 9
9 9 18 27 36 45 54 63 72 81
8 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72
7 7 14 21 28 35 42 49 56 63
6 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54
5 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

1 5 9 4 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36
No injury / harm Minor injury / harm Fatality
3 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27
2 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Severity
1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Likelihood

What do your risk ratings mean?

Risk is categorised as LOW: Look to reduce risk if practicable

Risk has been categorised as MEDIUM: Begin to plan your action to reduce the risk immediately
Risk has been categorised as HIGH: Immediate action required to reduce the risk

Assessor's signature: Approved by signature:

Use of Knives, Scalpels & Sharp Hand Tools

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