Safe Use of Knives

In the electrical industry a knife is a common tool used by each electrician. A knife is designed to cut material and unfortunately, it also cuts workers if they do not take appropriate precautions. Several years ago, Chemco introduced the requirement to use Kevlar gloves when using a knife to prevent injuries. This measure did reduce, but did not eliminate injuries caused by knives. To improve our performance we examined elimination, engineering, PPE and administration.

Elimination

We could not eliminate the use of knives, but we certainly could reduce the exposure by using different cable stripping tools instead of knives. We researched many different types of cable stripping tools that are available and did numerous field tests.

As a result of employee’s feedback, several of the cable stripping tools are now available through our tool cribs. This has reduced the exposure to knives and reduced the potential of injuries.

Engineering

It is important to use the right knife for the task. The knife is on the electrician’s tool list and if the employer specified a specific knife, they would have to supply them. Chemco Management's desire was to prevent injuries and they were prepared to accept the cost of providing each electrician with a knife.

Several clients requested that only knives with spring retracting blades be used on their sites. With this knife we did not experience all the benefits we were looking for. Workers apply constant pressure on the knife, keeping the blade exposed after it leaves the material being cut. As a result the exposed blade can contact the worker and result in injury. Also the constant pressure causes extra stress on the hands, wrists and forearms.

Chemco solicited employees on which knives they used on site and also asked for their input into a knife design. We contacted many manufacturers and looked at different knife designs. Our research helped us in developing a design that would provide the safest style for the tasks faced in the electrical trade. We completed field tests which resulted in positive feedback and had the knife manufactured to meet our needs.

PPE

Kevlar gloves assist in providing protection to worker’s hands. We continue to research different types of gloves with improved cut resistance and the dexterity as there are continual improvements in the glove industry.

Administration

The final step was to ensure everyone received the same message. Chemco developed two videos, one to deal with the proper use of knives, proper selection of knives and alternative tools available for stripping cable. The second video was a Safe Work Practice for use of knives. The videos were shot on the UE-1 Project with the employees we had on site. The videos use simple teaching techniques. Tell them, show them and follow up on their learnings.

These videos were shown to all existing employees and are a part of our new hire orientation. During orientation, Chemco provides all employees with a knife after watching the videos. To enhance our knife program we have included a knife sharpener to our incentive program.

Chemco continually provides these videos to other employers in our industry at no cost. We have also made our knives available to other employers.

Since the implementation of the knife and video training, we have completed over three million man-hours without a knife incident and have provided over 12,000 knives to our employees and other partners in the industry.