Friday, May 22, 2009

Non-print equipment & services: Razor knife safety

This information is available as a powerpoint presentation from http://www.usd.edu/ehs/powerpoints/knifesafety.ppt

Always be sure that blades are properly seated in knives and that knives are properly closed and/or fastened together before use.

Always use sharp blades.

A dull blade requires more force and is more likely to slip than a sharp one. Change the blade whenever it starts to tear instead of cut.

Always keep your free hand (and other body parts) away from the line of the cut.

Always wear a cut resistant glove on your free hand while cutting with a razor knife.

Always pull – never push the knife.

The blade could break off – wedging in the material and cutting your arm severely.

Don’t bend or apply side loads to blades by using them to open cans, loosen screws or pry loose objects.

Blades are brittle and can snap easily.

Never leave a blade open.

Always retract the blade when not in use.

When making cut-outs on rolls always pull the knife down. Never push it a way from you.

When using a knife to cut through thick materials, be patient – make several passes, cutting a little deeper into the material with each pass.

Tips for changing blades
  • Carefully remove the used blade from the knife.
  • Always hold the blade at the non-sharp side.
  • Discard the used blade in a safe place. Carefully wrap it in several layers of tape to cover sharp side and points.
  • Make sure to reassemble the knife correctly. Make sure screw is tight.

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