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ENVIRONMENTAL ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES DIVISIONJUNE 19, 2012

CUT PREVENTION AWARENESS

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CUT PREVENTION

• Cuts are a leading cause of accidents in EETD.• Cuts are mainly caused by any of these:

– Knives– Broken glassware– Razor blades– Sharp work surfaces

• Improper use of sharp tools, defective equipment, and not paying attention are all factors that contribute to cut injuries.

• Cuts involving hands and fingers are never more than a few millimeters away from a disabling injury to tendons, nerves, and blood vessels.

• Cut injuries ARE preventable!

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KNIFE SAFETY TIPS

• Keep knife blades sharp. If your knife is sharp, it will slide through what you are cutting with little force involved.

• Don’t cut with the sharp edge towards you or your fingers. Cut away from your body.

• Use a designated cutting mat for frequent cutting jobs.

• Don’t leave loose blades on tables or bench tops.– Store razor blades in a labeled box when not in use.– Immediately dispose of used removable blades in a proper

sharps container.

• Don’t leave sharp knives and blades loose in a drawer or tool box. Someone might reach in!

• When carrying sharp tools, keep the cutting edge or sharp point toward the floor.– Cover or shroud sharp points or edges when carrying.

• If you drop a knife, stand back and let it fall. Don’t try to catch it!

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BROKEN GLASS SAFETY TIPS

• In the event of a broken glass container:– Clean-up with a dust pan and broom– Do not use bare hands. If needed, wear gloves.– Place pieces in a designated broken glass receptacle.

• Keep glass containers secured so that they cannot easily fall or get knocked over. Use slip resistant mats or trays.

• If the container held hazardous materials, chemical spill cleanup procedures must be followed. Call X6999 if needed.

• In the event the glassware contained mercury, DO NOT cleanup. Call X6999 for assistance.

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SHARPS SAFETY TIPS

• Use needles or syringes only when there is no other alternative.

• Needles must not be bent, sheared, broken, or removed from disposable syringes.

• Use syringes that re-sheathe the needle or select a needless system for the task whenever possible.

• Promptly dispose of sharps in a designated sharps disposal container.

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One-Handed Scoop Method

• If re-sheathing or mechanical re-capping devices are not an option, use the “one-handed scoop method” for capping sharps.

• Place the cap on the bench top and “scoop” it up with the sharp, keeping your free hand out of the way.

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Cut First Aid

• In the event you are cut:– Stop the bleeding- Use gentle pressure– Clean the wound- Rinse with clean water– Cover the wound- Bandage or gauze

• Seek medical attention immediately through Health Services in Building 26. Call X6266.

• Notify your supervisor of the injury.• Health Services will initiate an Accident Report. • Follow all recommendations given by the

physician or nurse to prevent infection.

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EXAMPLES OF WHAT NOT TO DO!

Straight Edge BladeNot Properly Stored

Loose Glassware in Drawer Can Break!

Poorly Stored Xacto Knife. Blade Pointing Out!