Blade Safety

1. Blade Safety

2. Knives

3. Two Kinds of Knives Dull Sharp Which is safer? Why? Sharp knives are safer because they will not have any problems cutting through things. Dull knives on the other hand are likely to slip and possibly end up cutting the user very badly.

4. Proper Knife Handling Passing a knife from one person to another. When passing a knife to another person always pass it with the blade CLOSED. Make sure that when you hand off the knife the other individual indicates to you whether or not they have a firm grasp.

5. Proper knife handling_cont. Check your blood circle. After opening the knife hold the knife at the blade with the blunt edge in the palm of your hand. Then do a 360 degree check around you and a 180 degree check in front in order to see where you knife blade would be able to cut someone if it slipped. This also informs other of the IMMEDIATE danger zone and they know to avoid that area until you have put your knife away or you tell them it is ok to go through that area. If someone does enter the danger zone be sure to inform them in an appropriate manner. If, while checking your blood circle, you find that someone is in it already, YOU MOVE. You do not ask the other to move because he/she was there first.

6. Proper knife handling_cont. Sharpening Start by checking your blood circle first to ensure your safe zone. Always use a special sharpening tool when they are available. When you begin sharpening, run the knife down the sharpener at a 30 degree angle.

7. First Aid for Knife Injuries Puncture wounds Cuts Clean the area with warm water and soap to ensure it does not become infected. Then apply some bandages as needed to get the bleeding to stop. Gouges Apply pressure to the injury and to the nearest pressure to stop the bleeding as quickly as possible. Have someone call 9-1-1 to get emergency assistance. Once the bleeding has stopped, do not remove the gauze that was used because it may cause the bleeding to start again. Instead continue applying gauze pads as needed until emergency responders arrive who are better qualified to handle the situation. If necessary, begin treating for shock once the immediate emergency has been taken care of.

8. Saws

9. Proper Handling Passing The same as with a knife. Hold the open blade and pass the handle to the recipient. Again make sure that the recipient gives and indication that they have a firm grip of the blade. Usage Sharp vs. Dull Sharper is ALWAYS better. Blood Area Same thing as the knife.

10. Proper handling_cont. Sharpening Typically have to use a special tool in order to sharpen each tooth of the saw individually. Other than that it is the same instructions as with sharpening a knife.

11. First Aid Minor wounds Clean the wound with warm water and soap. Apply bandages or gauze as needed. Do not remove any applied bandages until the victim is in controlled environment and more sterile bandages are standing by. Severe wounds Apply pressure to the wound and get the bleeding to stop. Once bleeding has stop get the victim to a hospital where trained professionals can clean and disinfect the wound.

12. Axes

13. What kind is it? Two blades A blade with a �sledge hammer� part A single blade

15. Passing an axe Hold the axe by the head and hand the handle to the recipient. Be sure the blade is facing away from both of you. NEVER pass across the body. Do not pass from right hand to right hand for instance. Always pass using the same side of the body. Right hand to left hand. Again be sure the recipient give an indicator that they have a firm grip on the blade.

16. Is the axe sharp? As said before a sharp blade is a friendly blade. To sharpen an axe. Rest axe on the ground leaning against a fallen tree or a large branch. Pin the axe in place with either sticks or metal stakes along the handle. Use an axe file and sharpen the bit from toe to heel at a 30 degree angle.

17. All in all just be careful when using any kind of blade and do not forget ORM. (Operational Risk Management)