Hello Everyone,

 I have a problem. My company allows the use of naked razor blades to cut film negatives. Using a blade holder can scratch the films they are cutting so management is ok with them being used without a holder. Our workers comp rep just did an "informal audit" and pointed to a naked razorblade about every third or fourth step. Lacerations is our number one injury. Common sense dictates that something needs to change.

Has anyone had this problem? Can anyone point me to a supplier with a wide assortment of blade holders? The typical box cutter style holder will not do and I am trying to stay away from using a X-ACTO style cutter. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

Strange how infrequently common sense prevails. We do similar work, but on somewhat heavier material. There is no reason the holder should ever contact the negative, if the right tool is selected, and if it is used properly.

There are a wide variety of options available. Here are a few of many sources to check out. I suggest getting samples in that you approve of. Tell users they have to select one (or two) that works for them and make that the only one that can be used.

www.qualicut.net/

www.martorusa.com

www.safecutting.com/

www.safetyknife.com/

www.islice.com/

Hope that helps,

Lowell

Thank you for the links... hopefully we can find someting the employees WANT to use rather being told they HAVE to use them. Thanks again!

I have also used several different cutters fro OLFA blades.

See link....

http://olfa.com/splash.aspx

We also use razor blades to cut material.  As a result we generate a lot of scrap blades.  We have been having a hard time finding a scrap metal company who will take them and we want to recycle them.  What do you do with your used, non-contaminated, blades?

First off...What kind of material are you cutting? There may be an alternative tool or method that would allow for a longer life and less scrapped blades. As for recycling, Not much in value unless you have a whole hopper full, and even then not much monetary value in the used blades. We generally throw our used blades into a trash receptacle. We are a steel company and don't recycle these things. Just not worth it.

We make our guys tape the blade between two small pieces of cardboard or in a tough plastic container (Tupperware).  We make the person wear Kevlar gloves when they handle the blades.  Razor blades are not forgiving, even when "dull".

-Justin

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Eat. Skate. Sleep. Repeat.

SPDSKTR:

We make our guys tape the blade between two small pieces of cardboard or in a tough plastic container (Tupperware).  We make the person wear Kevlar gloves when they handle the blades.  Razor blades are not forgiving, even when "dull".

-Justin

 

That they are. Sometimes the dull ones are worse than the sharps. When you have them put the blade in between cardboard....Is that for disposal?

Right.  A piece of packing tape over the blade on one piece of cardboard to hold it down.  Another piece of cardboard is placed on top of the blade and tape is wrapped completely around the length and width of the razor "sandwich".

-Justin

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Eat. Skate. Sleep. Repeat.

That really is a best practice. I will have my guys doing this now. Safety isn't just looking out for yourself....It's looking out for co-workers or anyone else who may be affected down the line. Good job at setting people up for success!!!

I have all of my workers put the used razors in a sealed container so once they are in there, there is no getting one out. Coffee, formula, or any large soup can works well.

Also a great approach!

jburzynski:

I have all of my workers put the used razors in a sealed container so once they are in there, there is no getting one out. Coffee, formula, or any large soup can works well.

 I assume you secure the lid down by gluing it or taping it shut?

-Justin

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Eat. Skate. Sleep. Repeat.

Of course. Thats what I meant by use of the word "sealed". ;)

True statement.  I was thinking the general "at home" version of "sealed"... such as "sealing the dish so ants don't find it."

I can see it now... OSHA's newest book of standards will contain definitions for "Sealed" and "Secured". 

-Justin

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Eat. Skate. Sleep. Repeat.