Standard Title: Open Blades

Standard No.: Corporate Safety 2 Revision Number: 0

Document Number: 2

1.0 Purpose
This standard defines requirements to promote the prevention of injuries from the
use of open blades.

2.0 Scope
This standard applies to all FMC employees and is intended to eliminate injuries
caused by using open blade devices. The standard covers all hand held open
blade cutting devices including but not limited to: fixed blade knives, folding blade
knives, and razor or utility knives that do not have blade guards or mechanisms
that automatically retract the blade when it is not actually cutting material. This
standard does not apply to scissors, and non-hand held blades in fixed
equipment. Blades in fixed equipment are covered by other guarding standards.

3.0 Definitions

3.1 Hazardous task – Any activity or exposure where there is a risk of

injury from the use of an open blade.

3.2 Locking blade – Folding open blade tool with mechanical locking
device that prevents the knife from closing until manually released.

3.3 Fixed blade – Solid single blade tool that does not close.

4.0 Standard

Use of open blades (knives) to perform a task on any FMC site is prohibited.
There are many suitable alternatives to the use of open blades that can be found
in Appendix A of this Standard. If alternative cutting tools are not practical, you
must follow the Variance Process in Section 5.0.

5.0 Development of Variance Process

Process for development of a local variance:

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 Standard Title: Open Blades
Standard No.: Corporate Safety 2 Revision Number: 0
Document Number: 2

5.1 Demonstration that alternative (inherently safe) cutting tools

are not practical.
5.2 Development of a procedure defining the variance, including:
a) the scope of the task
b) hazards and precautions, specifically the PPE required
c) tools to be used
d) review frequency for variance
5.3 Authorization of Production Leader
5.4 Site-wide communication of variance and reason for it

6.0 Proper Use of Open Blades

All employees who use open blades after an authorized variance for the tool
usage is granted must be trained and documented on the proper use including,

 If you use a folding knife, it must be a locking blade type.

 Never use open blades that will fold under pressure.
 If open blade is used, make sure there is a handle guard to keep your hand
from slipping forward. Also, make sure the handle is dry and non-greasy to
assure adequate grip.
 When cutting, make sure the force of the cut will carry the blade away from
any part of your body. If there is a situation where this is not possible
consider putting the material to be cut in a vise or other holding device.
 Knives used on the job must be properly stored when not in use.
 Never use a defective open blade.
 Use the open blade only to cut. It is not designed to work as a pry bar,
screwdriver, hole punch or for other uses.

7.0 Communication & Training

Periodic communication of the requirements of this Standard will be completed

by each business and corporate staff group. Training and orientation materials
will be provided and maintained by Corporate EHS Operations.

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 Standard Title: Open Blades
Standard No.: Corporate Safety 2 Revision Number: 0
Document Number: 2

8.0 Effective Date

The effective date of this Standard is July 18, 2012. Within 6 months of this date,
all FMC employees are expected to be in compliance within this standard unless
an extension is specifically granted by the Director, EHS Operations. This
standard will be reviewed and updated within 3 years of the date it is published
and every 3 years thereafter.

9.0 Revision History

This Standard was originally issued on July 18, 2012 Revision 0. It has been
revised as follows:

Revision Revision Details Revision Approval

Level Date
(MM/DD/YYYY)
0 Initial Release 07/18/2012 R. Haire

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Standard Title: Open Blades
Standard No.: Corporate Safety 2 Revision Number: 0
Document Number: 2

Appendix A
Examples of Proper Cutting Tools

Tool Function

"EMT scissors" that will cut through a wide range of materials, featuring an
inherently safe design without sharp points or razor edges
Available from: EHS Gear
PHONE: (408) 956-9765 E-MAIL: info@ehsgear.com

Approximate Cost = $5.00

Utility Cutter that shears with mechanical advantage rather than razor -sharp
blade design
Available from: Sears (Craftsman)
Model: 37300
PHONE: (800) 549-4505 EMAIL: sears.com

Cable Preparation Tool that is compact and lightweight, capable of stripping

insulation on cable 19-40 mm diameter.
Available from: Ripley Company
Model No. RCS-158
EMAIL:
Approximate Cost = $36.00

Tool Function
"RS Knife with guarded blade/Martor "Opticut" No 436
Available from: Radio Spares (distributor)
RS Number: 736-529
Approximate Cost: $42.00
SPARE BLADES:
RS Number: 736 — 535 (minimum order is 10 blades)
Approximate Cost: $1.20 ea.

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Standard Title: Open Blades
Standard No.: Corporate Safety 2 Revision Number: 0
Document Number: 2

"Fish Knife" with guarded blade

Available from: King's Lynn Nuts & Bolts Ltd.
MSMS warehouse group 3001
DVS Contract 41394
Approximate Cost: $4.95