Rank: Super forum user 
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Prior to me taking over the H&S manager position there had been a ruling that only retractable safety knifes were to be used in the work place. This ruling was not discussed with the employees and was not welcomed.
Many employees still moan about it over 3 years later. I was asked to look into why this ruling was placed upon them.
For a lot of the tasks involved at the time I can understand how a retractable safety knife was a good compromise as elimination wasn't possible then. Other than a risk assessment and the implementation of that assessments findings I don't know why it happened. I can see no Reg or ACOP that specifically say's retractable knives must be used at all times.
We have an engineering team that have to used fixed blades and many other contraptions that allows them to complete their work, a retractable blade in this environment just wouldn't cut it (sorry).
Fortunately I have managed to eliminate the need for knives almost completely with automated equipment. Not only is it safer this has also saved a lot of time and money as the machine is quicker, a lot quicker.
The problem that I have is that there is still one task that requires a finished item to be trimmed, using a retractable blade to do this actually increased the strain on the hand and through fatigue, more chance of injury or repetitive strain disorders. I think that I will introduce a Stanley blade with appropriate training/storage for this task until I can engineer out the need to trim.
Would anybody like to comment on my decision and whether they have had a similar experience. Just for the record, our accident rate is low and is improving all the time.
Pete
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Rank: Super forum user
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We use a lot of knives and for most jobs there is no alternative. The approach we took which is similar to yours is:
• Use of knives is based on a local risk assessment- it is for the local users to justify their use of blades; just saying we have done it this way for years is not good enough
• All new staff are to be shown how to use the knives correctly( we have looked at a training course perhaps a local catering college on how to use a knife safely but not found one)
• Persuaded staff to use cut resistant gloves( not chain mail but more modern materials like Spectra or Kevlar)
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Rank: Super forum user
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Thanks A K, we do have slash prove gloves with kevlar in on site, I think that I will try and incorporate those into the task. The grip on them is good, so it may end up assisting the operatives. I always enjoy a secondary and unexpected enhancement!
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Rank: Forum user
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Why would there be a specifc regulation / ACOP specifically to do with hand knives?
PUWER applies to tools and work equipment, which gives generic principles for managing/considerations for work equipment.
There are some cases where following basic risk managment principles is all thats required - risk assessment etc, eliminate, substitute ec - the usual hierarchy of controls.
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Rank: Super forum user
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I suppose I was mislead by some of the comments onsite, such as the HSE banned all non retractable knifes etc... So I assumed that considering there was no history of near miss or injury's there must have been something more tangible.
I now think it was the behaviour of an incompetent manager hiding behind the HSE logo. Maybe I should have submitted it to the myth busters panel instead of here.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Animax01
Search the Youtube there is a clip about using knife Safety, it also talking about retractable knife and related measures..Al depend on your Risk Assessment
SHV
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Rank: Super forum user
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Thanks SHV, I will do that.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Just a quick question - where are they storing the knives? Stanley and others do a very good sheath for their knives and with a fixed knife they are much more accessible, whether in tool box or on a work belt. With cut resistant gloves and competent persons you really ought to be able to achieve a low risk level. Retractable knives do NOT in any case reduce injuries while in use. I personally think a poor reading of PUWER has led to this decision. That is not to say that where enclosed blades can be used they should not be ignored/preferred
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi Bob,
They will have a series of hooks were they will be hung from, each one will allocated to an individual. They will be returned at the end of each day. This way I have a very clear visual way of checking who has what and if it has been returned. We will be using the retractable blades that do not have to be held in place, where as before they had to be constantly held in place by the operator.
I agree that the previous H&S officer wasn't interpreting the PUWER Regs to well. When I have spoken to the production management who questioned him at the time, the response they got was "I don't care what you think, just do as I say".
At least I'm doing something to rectify these wrongs and things are moving forwards in the right direction.
Pete
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