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A guard must be provided to protect the operator from the knife which may project from the microtome In addition, a power interlock must be fitted to prevent unexpected operation.

The utmost care is required in the handling of microtome knives. Always carry the knife, in its case, to the microtome. Never manipulate a knife unless it has a handle securely fastened to it. If the handle has been removed during sectioning, replace it before removing the knife from the microtome. Never leave the knife on a >microtome. After use, always return the knife to its case. If possible, microtome knives should be sharpened by machine; if a knife has to be honed manually, the following points should be observed:-

1. Slide the ''back'' on to the knife before removing it from the case.
2. Secure the hone well away from the bench edge and position your body against the bench edge.
3. Hone the knife using slow careful strokes. Never try to increase the speed of the strokes.
4. Take great care when wiping honing lubricant from the knife.
5. Put the knife in its case then remove the ''back''.

Never test the degree of sharpness by the ''finger touch'' method! Always hold the knife by the handle over and well away from the bench edge. If a knife is dropped, never try to catch it in flight.

Other implements such as surgical scalpels must similarly be held only by the handle and always be kept in a safe place. Never try to remove a corroded scalpel blade or a tight fitting hypodermic needle from a holder or syringe by hand. Use a pair of pliers for this purpose. It is also advisable to wear eye protection; scalpel blades are very brittle and will fragment if excessively bent.

A clearly marked special container should be provided for the disposal of scalpel blades, hypodermic needles and other sharps. They should never be mixed with other waste material awaiting disposal.

Director:
Dr. Andrew D. Rankine

Contact:
safety@gla.ac.uk

Pearce Lodge, University Avenue, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ

TEL: 0141 330 5532 FAX: 0141 330 3545

Page Editor:
Jo McNally