Energy, speed, heat, and force are all defining factors in today’s metal-cutting processes. During metal cutting, the workpiece may project hot, flying chips. Even while modern cutting tool materials are made to endure the high cutting forces and temperatures that typically occur in these procedures, they can nonetheless break apart under certain conditions. Therefore, safety measures must be adopted to shield employees, observers, and machinery from hot chips in the air, cutting tool fragments, shattered workpieces, and similar objects. Guards should be in place on all machinery, and PPE should be worn at all times.
Furthermore, as part of your company’s safety education, it is extremely important to instruct all employees on the matters included in these sections.
Top Protection Measures to Adopt
- Pay Attention to What You’re Doing
Similar to how employees shouldn’t use cutters with any equipment if they’re sleepy or distracted, workers shouldn’t use cutters if they can’t provide their full attention to the task at hand.
- Don’t put anything you’re wearing or touching near the blade.
Injuries occur frequently when workers try to swiftly open the box by cutting in a straight line with force towards themselves. Workers should keep the location of the cutting line in mind to avoid any mishaps. The user’s torso and hands should be kept well away from the blade’s cutting edge. A retractable blade automatic cutter is another option for avoiding this. Such cutters reduce the risk of serious injury to the user because the blade automatically retracts when the user releases the mechanism.
- You Should Be Working On Something Solid And Level
Having a level and steady surface is essential when utilizing cutters to cut through packaging. To avoid any accidents, make sure your work area is clear before you begin. Always use a cutting mat or board instead of a smooth table or counter. They will be protected from harm in this way. Using a chopping board is your best defense against this. Cutting boards prevent surface damage by acting as a barrier between the knife and the work surface.
- The blade should be retracted when not in use.
When not in use, a cutter must be stored in its sheath. Cutters need to be kept in a secure location that is out of the reach of potential thieves. The use of safety cutters with blades that retract automatically when the trigger is released or when the blade is no longer in contact with the material is another option.
- Wear Gloves At All Times
If you’re going to be using a cutter, you should protect your hands by donning a pair of cut-resistant gloves. Wearing cut-resistant gloves of good quality will protect your hands. Additionally, if the user wears safety gloves when using the safety cutters, they will feel more at ease.
The Caution Pointers
Cutting tools are dangerous and should not be used unless you have received training.
Work that requires insulated grips should not be done using cushion grip handles. Cushion grips are designed to reduce fatigue, however, they do not provide any protection against electric shock.
- Broken, loose, or cracked cutters should not be used.
- Do not use a tool past its rated capacity.
- Never make a diagonal cut.
- Never sway the cutters from side to side as you work.
- When cutting, do not pry or twist the tool.
- No more cutting force can be achieved by hammering on cutting instruments or by increasing the length of the handle.
- You shouldn’t put cutters in the oven or microwave.
- Cutter maintenance should be avoided at all costs. Don’t bother fixing or keeping damaged or broken machinery.
Powerful and razor-sharp, cutting instruments see widespread applications. The use of these items requires vigilance for everyone’s safety. These instruments are dangerous if handled improperly and can inflict cuts and pricks. Inspection, maintenance, and sharpening of Cutting Tools are crucial safety measures that must be taken with extreme care. It is imperative that workers use appropriate PPE, such as sturdy gloves and safety glasses when operating certain Cutting Tools. If you’re going to be using any kind of cutting tool, please remember the thumb rule – Safety First!