This Box Cutter Use & Blade Disposal SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) covers safely using hand-held box cutters, utility knives and blade dispensers to open cartons and stock, and disposing of used or damaged blades. It covers choosing a safety or self-retracting knife, checking the blade, cutting away from the body, retracting after every cut, changing blades and using a puncture-proof disposal container. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Retail stores and supermarkets
Warehouses and distribution centres
Hardware and building supply stores
Hospitality venues receiving stock
Manufacturers and packing operations
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Cuts to hands, fingers, wrists or forearms from an exposed blade
Puncture injuries from unretracted, discarded or loosely stored blades
Cuts from reaching into cartons without checking the contents
Loss of control from dull, chipped or damaged blades
Snapped blades or blades left exposed on benches
Cuts when changing blades or from blades thrown in general waste
What's included
6 pre-operational checks, from current training and choosing a safety knife to blade condition, retraction and the disposal container
An 8-step operating procedure covering blade length, cutting away from the body, carton contents, passing knives and blade replacement
Safe blade controls in place of isolation, including retracting after every cut, changing blades and puncture-proof disposal
4 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for cuts and puncture injuries, and broken or lost blade fragments
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Retail & Wholesale SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover powered cutting equipment?
No. It covers hand-held box cutters, utility knives and blade dispensers only. Powered cutting equipment and fixed machine knives need their own SOPs.
Does it say which type of knife to use?
Yes. It asks workers to choose a self-retracting or safety-guard knife over an open fixed-blade knife where practicable, and to use the shortest blade that will do the job.
How should used blades be disposed of?
Straight into a dedicated puncture-proof blade disposal container, never loose on benches, in pockets or in general waste.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
