During this toolbox meeting, we will pay attention to safety around the topic of cut risk. Cut hazards are more common than we think!

Cutting is the unintentional contact between an object and a body part, resulting in damage to the skin.

The cutting accident is an unintentional, sudden event caused by unsafety with damage as a consequence. This damage can be extensive, but it can also be limited to a plaster.

Insecurity is meant here as a 'characteristic' of the:

1. Workplace, environment, the place where the person is. For example, someone has to pass through a narrow passage where bumping into the sharp edges of the installation which cannot be prevented. 
2. Method of work carried out, the operation. When cutting cables or cutting parts, cutting must be done at the workplace. This results in cutting accidents. 
3. The material that is processed. Sharp metal parts pose a risk of injury;
4. The equipment, the tools that are used. When working with a standard knife, instead of a safety knife, one can easily cut himself.

Workplace
In the case of workplaces, the danger lies in the size of the rooms (small space) where work has to be done, such as a control cabinet. If there are objects (parts) in small spaces that are sharp or unfortunate placed in the walking route, there is an increased danger. Small spaces are also a problem if the installation components that need to be maintained are difficult to access, clutter or poorly lit. For example, because installations are built very compactly, there are no good drawings or the lighting is insufficient.

Working methods
Danger caused by the working methods are diverse. A lot of danger is caused by working with and on sharp materials such as cable trays, system walls made of sheet steel profiles (metal stud), wire pulling, wire peeling and broaching and the installation and removal of grids.

Materials
The materials that cause cutting accidents are cable trays, sheet materials with non-unset edges, packaging, grids and fixing materials. 

Material
A lot of danger is caused by improper use of tools. Think of using snap-off knives / regular knives instead of safety knives to peel cables.

The Working Conditions Catalogue for Cutting gives examples of workplaces, work methods, materials and equipment where there is a risk of cutting. For each example, source, collective and individual measures are indicated. ​​​​​​​

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is aimed at protecting you from external dangers. To prevent cutting accidents, this may include clothing with a high cut resistance, shoes with an impermeable sole and cut-resistant gloves.

To obtain protection against cuts, the gloves must comply with EN 388:2016 (ISO 13997). 6 categories indicate the degree of protection.

Gloves
Purchasing gloves is tailor-made. The gloves must fit snugly and offer protection against (specific) danger. The basis for choosing the right glove is the TRA.

In the picture you can see an example of the symbol that indicates the category of the glove, which is usually found on the back of the glove.

Cutting tools

Cutting accidents are often caused by the unwise and/or incorrect use of tools. Tools must always be used as indicated in the manual.

In the work preparation and the preparation of a TRA, the use of tools is considered. The TRA indicates which tool should be used for an operation.

It is often possible to use tools in which sharp parts are shielded. This drastically reduces the risk of cutting. Finally, cutting tools should be regularly evaluated for safe operation.

Always perform an LMRA before you start your work!

Talk to each other about the following:

1. How do you deal with cut hazards in your work environment?
2. What do you (often) run into when it comes to the topic of cutting hazards?
3. Do we always use the appropriate resources? Or are there (better) alternatives?
4. Do you always perform a LMRA?​​​​​​​

More information?

Health and Safety Catalogue Cutting