Misuse of cutting tools/sharps may lead to injuries. These injuries can be minor (small cuts) or major (gashes, lacerations). Review best practices for handling and using cutting tools to guard against injuries.
Figure 1. Common cutting tools/sharps found in the lab
Safety Tips for Cutting Tools/Sharps
- Razor Blade
- If using a razor blade as a knife, secure the blade in a holder to avoid directly handling the blade.
- Practice caution when unwrapping new blades. Be mindful of your hand and finger placement.
- Do not use the blade as a lever as it is brittle and can break when force is applied – see Figures 2A and 2B.
- Knife
- Select the appropriate knife for the task. Unmounted blades (e.g., microtome blades) are not appropriate for use as hand tools.
- Hold the knife properly to maintain control while using it.
- Microtome Blade
- The microtome blade is extremely sharp and must be handled with care.
- Develop a microtome SOP for general use and maintenance based on the manufacturer’s operating manual.
- Box Cutter
- Fully retract the blade when not in use.
- Change out dull, old, or rusty blades.
- Scalpel
- When changing spent blades, do not touch the blades directly. Use forceps or other scalpel blade removers.
- Watch this video for simple steps on how to change scalpel blades with forceps.
- Minimize passing scalpels person-to-person during team procedures (e.g., surgery). Utilize the Hands-Free Passing Technique by leaving scalpels in a neutral zone for retrieval.
- When changing spent blades, do not touch the blades directly. Use forceps or other scalpel blade removers.
Safe Work Practices
Regardless of the cutting tool selected, follow these practices to ensure that the blade cuts the intended object and not you. Ensure that a first aid kit is available for minor cutting injuries.
- Ensure the item/object being cut is stable to minimize the chances of slipping. Holding the material freely increases the chances it will move.
- Select the right cutting tool for the task. If it is not designed as a hand tool, do not use it as a hand tool.
- Use sharp blades.
- Check the thickness of the material you are cutting. Thinner materials require less force to cut, therefore, apply light pressure to avoid overcutting. Lighter pressure will also allow you to control the path of the blade more easily. Lighter cuts may also keep the blade sharp longer.
- Use a suitable cutting surface (e.g., cutting board) so that the blade does not become blunted and/or the work surface is not damaged.
- Cut away from yourself – see Figure 3A. Ensure your hands and legs are clear from the knife’s path of travel. Avoid techniques illustrated in Figures 3B and 3C.
- Cut resistant under-gloves for high risks tasks (e.g., surgeries) may be beneficial. Here are a few examples:
- Thicker gloves offer more protection at the cost of dexterity. Here are a few examples:
Storage and Disposal
- Sharps must not be left unattended. When not in use, sharps shall be stored in an appropriate secondary container – see Figures 4A and 4B.
- Dispose of spent blades (contaminated, non-contaminated) in appropriate waste containers. Consult the Hazardous Waste Management Manual for details.
