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News
Snap off blades banned
The recently introduced British Retail Consortium Global Packaging Standard bans the use of snap-off blades within a packaging operation. This is just one of four prescriptive clauses affecting the use and disposal of sharps and explicitly says in clause 5.7.12 "Snap-off blade knives shall not be used". The remaining three clauses all under the heading "Foreign Body Control" are also quoted in full.
5.7.9 There shall be a documented policy for the control of sharps.
5.7.10 Sharp blades, equipment and tools shall not be left in a position that allows them to contaminate the product.
5.7.11 Sharp cutting instruments used in the manufacture of packaging materials shall be controlled to prevent product contamination. This shall include control into and out of the factory where they shall be disposed of in a sealable container when no longer usable.
MARTOR UK's Safety Grading System for Knives classifies snap-off blade knives at level 8. MARTOR also has model policy for the control of sharps and stocks sealable containers for used blades.
New Safety Index launched
A new Safety Index for hand held knives and cutters in the workplace was unveiled by MARTOR UK Ltd to visitors at Safety & Health Expo, NEC, Birmingham, on 12 May 2009. The new 10 level index is based on the inherent safety features of individual tools or equipment in which level 1 is the safest and level 10 the least safe. It is one part of a comprehensive programme to provide a quantified assessment of knife use in the workplace. In addition to quantifying the risk of accidents to people, the programme also measures the efficiency and ease of cutting operations, plus the level of any damage to products and materials.
Commenting on the initiative, MARTOR UK Managing Director, Peter Ingram highlighted the key benefits for customers “By providing a quantified and holistic assessment of individual knife uses, we assist customers in accurately selecting the most appropriate knives and related procedures for their specific requirements” An added benefit is that a MARTOR survey and report will help customers demonstrate compliance with regulations and standards such as the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and British Retail Consortium Global Standards.
For more information on the Safety Index click here.
Kick off for multi-media campaign
To publicise and promote what is the start of the next phase of its growing campaign to further reduce cutting accidents, MARTOR UK has embarked on a multi-media campaign, under the working title “At the Leading Edge in Safety” The new campaign kicked off with new exhibition graphics, promotional literature and advertising all at Safety & Health Expo supported by the switch on of the new web site at www.martor.co.uk A direct mail and advertising campaign will run for the next few months and the Safety Index will start, from Autumn onwards, to appear alongside MARTOR products in the catalogues of specialist safety and industrial equipment suppliers.
MARTOR Sales and Marketing Director, Nick Watts explained the rationale of the campaign, “MARTOR has been a leader in safety knives and the drive for safer cutting in the workplace since the introduction of its patented Profi knife in 1976. Innovation and investment in further improvements to meet future customer needs aims to keep MARTOR in its premier position. The campaign is intended to create a highly visible signpost for companies seeking ways to become a leader in best, safe practice in the use of knives in the workplace.”
View campaign material; advertising material --- A3, A4 and A5 and stand at Safety & Health Expo 12 May 2009.
Successful Mersey Meet
Despite the economic recession (or is it depression?), IOSH 2009 held in Liverpool was a resounding success for MARTOR UK. Nick Watts, MARTOR UK’s Sales and Marketing Director added, “The quality of delegates and visitors was also very high. I guess this was because only the very committed and involved practioners could justify the time and cost in such tough times.
Visit IOSH 2009 for more information.
Regular Features
Product Spotlight 1
The distinction of being the first product to be put under the spotlight is fittingly the Profi. First patented and launched in 1976, the original Profi has blazed a trail for safer cutting throughout the world. During its 33 years history the Profi has been extended to include 9 variants, mainly to provide different blade lengths but also a model for the food industry.
Used in 56 industrial sectors, for 43 different cutting tasks and all materials. See the Profi No. 07152.
Is This Your Problem? 1
I'm the production manager of a factory employing 150 people in five departments. We convert raw materials into components and then assemble the components into a product for retail sale.
Head Office has just banned all fixed blade knives and snap-off blades and I have been given two months to make the switch to safety knives.
Only when I make a start by checking who uses knives, what kind and for what purpose, do I discover that nearly everybody has a knife, many described as 'the only knife for job' and that I could have a mini-mutiny on my hands if I don't get this changeover absolutely right.
MARTOR UK provided the solution. For more information on how the complete changeover process was handled, request a call back.
Hints & Tips 1
Change blades frequently. When used appropriately a sharp blade is safer, more efficient and better for the user than a dull blade. This statement may be regarded as self evident and therefore doesn't need making, but experience tells us that a high proportion of knife users continue using a blade well after its useful life. MARTOR has always made blade changing easy, but increasingly new knives and cutters are being designed to make it even easier and safer, so it takes very little time to change a blade. Time that is more then made up by more efficient cutting and improved safety. Speak to a MARTOR Safety Advisor for more details.