Utility Knife Safety

Utility knives are a common tool on the job site. As with other knives, using a utility knife carries with it the risk of cutting yourself or a co-worker. Also like other knives, this risk can be reduced to almost nothing by following basic safety procedures.

Keep the Blade Sharp

Ironically, sharp knives are safe knives. A dull blade requires more pressure to successfully make a cut. This makes dull blades harder to control, and any blade that pops free will be swinging and cutting with more force behind it.

Utility knife blades aren't sharpened: they're replaced. For a disposable utility knife, you simply break off the end segment of the blade, then push the next segment forward for use. A permanent utility knife contains a razor blade you can remove and replace.

Proper Storage

Always retract the blade fully before putting your utility knife away. If your organization system allows it, store the utility knife with other sharp objects so that you're always careful while reaching for it. Fully retract the blade whenever you're not holding the knife and making a cut. More than one person has been cut on a knife that was set down "just for a moment."

Cutting

Hold the utility knife as you would a hammer or sword. Do not lay your index finger or thumb along the back of the blade. Insert the far corner of the blade into your cutting surface, then draw the blade along the surface in one long stroke. If a single stroke isn't enough to cut the surface completely, start again at the top and make another stroke. Never cut towards your body; instead cut up to down or in to out.

Safety Gear

Always wear heavy work gloves when using a utility knife. The majority of utility knife cuts are to the hands, fingers and wrists. Long-sleeve pants and shirts are also a good idea. You should wear a hard hat for any construction project that involves work above chest level.

First Aid

Apply direct pressure immediately to any utility knife cut. Press a gauze pad, work rag or other clean cloth against the wound and maintain firm pressure until the bleeding stops. Clean and cover the wound once bleeding is under control. If the bleeding comes in spurts, doesn't stop after 15 minutes or is accompanied by dizziness or numbness, get medical attention immediately.

References

• Mike Byers, General Contractor, Corvallis, OR
• Sokei Dave McNeil, Knife Fighting Instructor, Goju Shorei, Minden, NV
• Mayo Clinic: First Aid For Cuts