1.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this program is to minimize the safety risk to Nitro Construction Services’ employees while performing cutting tasks and when handling potentially sharp objects and/or breakable objects.
2.0 SCOPE
This policy applies to all Nitro Construction Services employees.
3.0 COMPLIANCE
N/A
4.0 DEFINITIONS
4.1 Cut Resistant Gloves – defined as having a minimum ANSI cut-resistance rating of 3.
4.2 Safety Cutting Tool – knives and other sharp implements with safety features to minimize the potential of personnel coming into contact with sharp edges, for example, self-retracting blade.
5.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1 Site Manager / Superintendents – implement and enforce the contents of this procedure.
5.2 All Employees – ensure the use of proper equipment (knives, tools, etc.) and PPE when performing cutting tasks or handling sharp objects.
6.0 PROCEDURE
6.1 Before beginning work, conduct a Job Safety Analysis, job safety analysis, or equivalent to determine the job tasks that would potentially require the utilization of knives, handling of sharp objects, etc.
6.2 Ensure the proper selection of cut-resistant gloves and self-retracting knives are available.
6.3 Employees shall wear cut-resistant gloves when performing cutting tasks or handling sharp objects. Employees shall wear cut-resistant sleeves when there is a potential hazard to the wrists and arms.
6.4 Employees shall utilize a self-retracting utility knife or other safety cutting tool with a blunt-leading edge to perform cutting tasks.
6.4.1 Knives without retracting blades are prohibited.
6.4.2 Personal knives on the job-site are prohibited.
6.5 If a job requires any other knife, other than the company-issued self-retracting knife, employees must get approval from their Manager before use. This is for a single application and on a case-by-case basis.
6.6 All knives, including self-retracting knives, will be company issued.
**Note: No one glove can protect against all potential hand hazards. It is important to select the most appropriate glove for the job task.**
7.0 EMPLOYEE INFORMATION AND TRAINING
7.1 The employer shall ensure that employees are trained in this procedure.
7.2 Training shall be provided before the issuance of self-retracting utility knives.