Moving with a sharp tool, even one as common as scissors, introduces a significant risk of accidental puncture or laceration. This risk increases because movement introduces variables like tripping, bumping into objects, or encountering other people. To mitigate these hazards, professionals and students adhere to specific safety protocols for transporting sharp instruments. These procedures are designed to protect both the carrier and anyone nearby from the pointed ends or cutting edges of the tool.
Preparation Before Moving
Before taking a single step, the carrier must ensure the scissors are fully secured to prevent unintended exposure of the blades. The first action involves making certain the two cutting edges are completely closed and locked together. If the scissors have a dedicated safety sheath or a protective cap, it should be applied over the closed blades to add a physical barrier against the sharp tips.
Secure the scissors’ movement by grasping the blades firmly with the hand not used for carrying, or by wrapping a rubber band around the closed handles. This prevents the blades from opening during transit. Finally, the carrier should visually assess the path ahead, clearing away any clutter, cords, or obstacles that could cause a trip or stumble, as a fall is the primary mechanism for severe accidental injury when holding a sharp object.
The Essential Transport Grip
The correct technique for carrying scissors involves a specific grip that minimizes potential harm if a fall or collision occurs. The carrier should hold the scissors firmly by the handles, keeping the blades completely closed. The closed blades must always point downward, toward the ground, with the handles pointing upward.
This downward orientation is deliberate, ensuring that should the carrier trip or fall, the sharp points strike the floor or ground instead of the body. Holding the blades upward or outward increases the likelihood of a puncture wound to the face, torso, or thigh. The arm holding the scissors should be held down at the side of the body, remaining in a stable, fixed position. When walking near others, this grip keeps the sharp points out of the path of other people’s faces or torsos, reducing the risk of accidental injury.
Safe Hand-Off Procedures
Transferring scissors to another person requires a distinct and careful procedure to avoid injury during the exchange. The person handing over the scissors must first ensure the blades are fully closed. They should then grasp the closed blades firmly, holding the cutting edges between their thumb and fingers.
The carrier rotates the scissors so the handles are extended outward toward the recipient. This orientation allows the receiving person to take a secure grip on the handles without touching the sharp blades. A simple verbal confirmation, such as “I have them,” signals that the transfer is complete and the first person can release their grasp.