7 replies to this topic

[terris]

For Section 11.7.5.7 we have a knife control policy, but it does not cover box cutters. I am thinking it should. Many of our employees use these on a regular basis, so I do not want a control system that is difficult to maintain. Any thoughts on a good policy that meets the code?

[JohnWheat]

Can it not be incorporated into the existing knife control procedure/controls you have already Terris?

[terris]

Can it not be incorporated into the existing knife control procedure/controls you have already Terris?

It could...but right now we use a knife about once every 2 weeks. It is signed in and out the same day. Box cutters are used EVERY day so it could become burdensome signing them in and out. We were thinking about signing them in and out on a weekly basis and employees would have to be responsible, ie, they cant come to us for another box cutter because they cant find the one assigned to them. Would that meet the code? I know we have often been told "its your program" so if we try it and it works-ok  (?)  Just wondering what others were doing for this...

[JohnWheat]

Ours are done daily out in the morning and back at end of shift where they're inspected for damage. Hardly a ball ache if you keep it simple. Due diligence and all that :)

[Plastic Ducky]

a weekly check would leave you open to an entire weeks worth of production being identified as suspect if in fact a knife turned up with missing parts. I would lean toward the daily cycle as well.

[Miss Tammy]

We have a Pre-OP check list that is done at the beginning of each shift.  It includes inspection of box cutters, plastic utensils, etc.  for damage. 

[NorCalNate]

We have a Pre-OP check list that is done at the beginning of each shift.  It includes inspection of box cutters, plastic utensils, etc.  for damage. 

 

Does your team also inspect at the end of the shift, or just the beginning? My team has been trying to determine of "control" only applies if checked before and after each shift or if we could do one check at pre-operation and be good. 

[jfrey123]

Does your team also inspect at the end of the shift, or just the beginning? My team has been trying to determine of "control" only applies if checked before and after each shift or if we could do one check at pre-operation and be good. 

 

Not sure if you'll get a reply from the person you asked as they posted their reply in 2015.

 

When I had to develop a program for our box knives, we did a check when the knives were both taken and returned.  Only doing a check for pre-op ensures the knives start in acceptable condition, but doesn't control any tips or blades breaking during the shift. 

 

We associated the knives with the other tools used by production, so one tool checkout form was used for everything.  Part of the returning sign in required the employees to initial that the tool had been washed and sanitized, and was returned undamaged.  This sign in was done for each shift, with the incoming shift supervisor required to verify the starting count of the knives (all present) and that they indeed were clean and undamaged before their employees started checking them out.  We also kept the spare blades locked in production supervisor offices, so in the event a blade did break, employees had to get a supervisor and show them they had recovered all pieces of the blade before they could get a new one.