How to Use Box Cutters Safely

Safety is important with box cutters.

Don't think that box cutters are a breeze and can't cause injuries.Box cutters are readily available now, and make an excellent tool to have around the house, especially with the advent of internet shopping. They can also inflict terrible injuries if not used correctly, and damage the contents of the carton if you aren't careful. When the practiced retail staff do it, it looks like a cinch, but there is a little finesse to safely using box cutters.

Instructions

1. Always keep your box cutter blade sharp. Dull knives do much more damage than sharp ones. The reason is that sharp blades will cut cleanly, allowing the wound to be easily pressed together and stitched. Dull blades tend to tear the skin and flesh making a real mess which is much harder to mend.

2. Most box cutters have retractable blades, the ones that don't always have sheathes for the blades. Always, retract or sheath the blade when you are done or placing the cutter down for any reason or length of time.

3. Before you start to cut, check the thickness of the material you are going to cut. Thin materials will need only a light pressure, where as thicker ones will require more pressure. If you are concerned about accidentally damaging the goods, apply lighter pressure and cut more than once.

4. Always cut with the blade facing away from your body. It isn't unusual for blades to slip and you don't want it to slip towards you. Similarly, make sure no-one is standing opposite you, co-workers or curious onlookers should be by your side or at the sides of the box.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your common sense, never allow anyone's clothing or body to be in front of the cutting edge of the blade.