- Scalpels, Craft Knives, Chisels, Scissors, Tin Snips
- Soft materials, Timber, Metal <1mm thick
- Cutting
- Workshop Category: W2
- Workshop Risk Category: Green: Low Risk
Various sharp tools which are primarily used for cardboard/paper/thin sheet model making and shaping wood
Start with a Risk Assessment to ensure a safe work area:
- Remove loose fitting clothing, jewellery, and tie back long hair
- Give the work your undivided attention
- Make sure the area is clear of people, especially directly in front of working area
- If you have not used and/or are inexperienced with tooling, ask a member of workshop staff for advice and a demonstration
Operational Safety Rules:
- Ensure tool being used has a suitably sharp edge and that it is appropriate for cutting your materials. Do not apply too much pressure when using sharps. Test this using paper or ask a member of workshop staff – do not test blade using fingers!
- If changing blade on scalpels or craft knives, wear goggles. If Chisels or planes need sharpening ask a member of workshop staff
- Fix your work to the workbench where appropriate, and always when using a chisel
- Cut away from yourself if using chisels, scissors, or tin snips. Cut to the side of yourself if using scalpels or craft knives
- Use a cutting mat under your material if using scalpels and knives
- If needing to cut a straight edge with a scalpel or craft knife – only use specially designed safety cutting rulers which will use a raised edge or handle to reduce the chance of accidentally cutting fingers and hands. These are available to use in the workshop