The Box Cutter is one of the most important tools available to industry and individuals. They can be found in tool boxes, work aprons and kitchen drawers, across America. However, it is also a leading cause of accidental lacerations in the home and industry. Like most items we take for granted, the box cutter can be an asset or an incredible liability.
By following a few simple safety rules, anyone can learn to safely operate a box cutter and avoid injuries and damaging the products being opened. The best way to avoid an accident is to know your tool and the proper way to handle it. When using a box cutter, keep the following items in mind.
Tip 1: Always keep your box cutter blade sharp. Dull blades create more friction when cutting through material which means more resistance that you have to overcome by pulling harder. Dull box cutter blades also do more harm to flesh if it does happen to make contact with your skin. Keeping a sharp blade in your tool is a much cheaper alternative than a trip to the doctor's office because you were trying to save money by using an old dull knife blade.
Tip 2: Many box cutters in the market place have retractable blades. Some box knives allow you to set the depth of the blade to match the thickness of the material you are cutting. Always try to set the depth to match the material being cut because the less blade exposure you are working with, the safer you are. Also be sure to retract the blade as soon as you have finished cutting the material and before setting the knife down. This will help to reduce the risk of accidental box cutter injuries.
Tip 3: Before you begin to make your cut, check the thickness of the material you are cutting. Thinner materials require less force to cut and you should apply light pressure to avoid over cutting. Lighter pressure will also allow you to more easily control the path of the blade as you pull across the box. Control is the key to avoiding user injury and product damage.
Tip 4: When using open bladed box cutters, always cut with the blade facing away from your body. It is not unusual for blades to slip out of the boxes being opened and box cutter blades are not discriminating as to what they will cut. If your leg or hand is in the path, it will cut it also. Also, make sure that your work area is free of co-workers or children who may be watching in anticipation as their new toy is removed from the box.
Remember that box cutter safety begins and ends with one person and that is the person who is holding it. Box cutters can be a useful tool or a dangerous and deadly source of pain and injury if not used properly. Always use your common sense and best judgement when handling the box cutter and you to will remain injury free.
