Safety & Training Short: Kitchen Safety - Knives

When handling knives, box cutters, or machines and tools with blades, take care to protect yourself from cuts. Cuts from knives may occur as a result of improper handling, improper storage, or the accidental dropping of knives. To prevent injury, apply the following approaches.

Planning:

• Assess tasks to identify the potential hazards and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Require employees to use appropriate controls and hand protection when exposed to hazards such as cuts and lacerations.
• Review any hazards and needed controls for wearing gloves around machinery if there is a risk that gloves may be pulled into the machinery.
• Equip newly purchased knives and cleavers with blade guards or knuckle guards that protect the hand from slipping onto the blade.
• Allow only experienced, trained and authorized employees to handle and sharpen blades.