Scissors are among the most commonly used tools in homes, schools, and workplaces across Australia. From the kitchen to the craft room, from the garden shed to the hair salon, these versatile cutting instruments help us accomplish countless daily tasks. Yet despite their familiarity, scissors can cause serious injuries when mishandled. Understanding proper safety practices protects both you and those around you while also extending the life of your scissors.
According to injury statistics, scissors and other cutting tools account for thousands of emergency room visits each year in Australia. Most of these injuries are entirely preventable with proper knowledge and habits. Whether you're a professional who uses scissors daily or someone who occasionally reaches for them at home, these safety guidelines will help you work more confidently and safely.
Safe Handling Fundamentals
The way you hold and manoeuvre scissors significantly impacts both your safety and cutting effectiveness. Proper technique reduces strain on your hands while minimising the risk of accidents.
The Correct Grip
Always insert your thumb through one handle loop and your middle or ring finger through the other. Your index finger should rest on the outside of the handle to provide guidance and stability. This grip gives you maximum control over the cutting action while keeping your fingers away from the blade path.
- Never force multiple fingers into one loop: This reduces control and increases fatigue
- Keep your grip relaxed: A death grip causes hand fatigue and jerky movements
- Use scissors sized for your hand: Handles too large or small compromise control
- Cut with the blade section closest to the pivot: This provides maximum leverage and control
Never run or walk quickly while carrying open scissors. Never use scissors as a screwdriver, pry bar, or hammer. Never cut toward your body or face. Never try to catch falling scissors - let them fall and step back.
Passing Scissors Safely
One of the most dangerous moments with scissors occurs when handing them to another person. The proper technique for passing scissors has been taught for generations, and for good reason - it prevents accidental cuts and punctures during the transfer.
When passing scissors to someone else, close the blades completely first. Grasp the closed blades with your hand, keeping the sharp edges covered by your palm. Extend the handle end toward the other person so they can easily grasp the handles. Wait until they have a firm grip before releasing the blades. This method ensures the sharp edges are never pointed toward either person during the exchange.
When teaching children to pass scissors, use the phrase "handles to friends." This simple reminder helps them remember to offer the handle end. Practice the motion with closed, blunt-tip scissors before allowing children to pass sharp scissors.
Cutting Techniques for Safety
How you position your body and material while cutting significantly affects your safety. Developing good habits early prevents accidents and makes cutting more efficient.
Positioning Best Practices
- Work on a stable surface: Never cut while balancing material on your lap or in mid-air
- Keep your non-cutting hand clear: Position fingers well away from the cutting line
- Cut away from your body: Direct the blade path away from your torso and limbs
- Maintain good lighting: Poor visibility increases cutting errors and injury risk
- Secure loose material: Fabric or paper that shifts unexpectedly can cause accidents
- Take breaks: Fatigue leads to sloppy technique and accidents
Proper Storage Solutions
How you store your scissors affects both safety and the condition of the blades. Proper storage prevents accidental contact with sharp edges and protects the cutting surfaces from damage that could make them less safe to use.
Storage Guidelines
- Always store scissors closed: Open blades are an accident waiting to happen
- Use blade guards or sheaths: These protect both the blades and anyone who reaches into the storage area
- Store in a designated location: Scissors thrown loosely in drawers can damage blades and cut fingers
- Keep out of reach of young children: Store sharp scissors in locked or high locations
- Hang scissors on wall-mounted holders: This is ideal for frequently used scissors in workshops or salons
- Never leave scissors on the floor: This is a common cause of foot injuries
In professional environments like salons, studios, or workrooms, consider implementing a scissors management system. Designated storage spots for each pair, regular inventory checks, and clear protocols for handling ensure everyone stays safe and scissors remain in good condition.
Workplace Safety Considerations
Professionals who use scissors extensively throughout the day face unique safety considerations. Hairdressers, tailors, florists, and others should implement additional precautions to protect themselves and their clients.
Ergonomic scissors with proper handle design reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries that can develop over years of professional use. Regular maintenance keeps blades sharp, which paradoxically makes them safer - dull scissors require more force and are more likely to slip. Professional liability also means maintaining safe practices protects your business as well as the people around you.
First Aid for Scissor Injuries
Despite best precautions, accidents occasionally happen. Knowing how to respond to scissor injuries can minimise harm and prevent complications.
For Minor Cuts
- Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding
- Clean the wound thoroughly with water once bleeding slows
- Apply antiseptic and cover with an appropriate bandage
- Monitor for signs of infection over the following days
Seek Medical Attention When:
- Bleeding doesn't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure
- The cut is deep, long, or has jagged edges
- You notice numbness or tingling near the wound
- The wound shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus)
- You cannot remove debris from the wound
- Your tetanus vaccination is not current
- Always cut away from your body using controlled movements
- Pass scissors handle-first with blades closed and covered
- Store scissors closed, preferably with blade guards
- Never run or walk quickly while carrying scissors
- Let falling scissors drop - never try to catch them
- Keep scissors maintained; sharp blades are safer than dull ones
Creating a Safety-Conscious Environment
Whether at home or in a professional setting, creating an environment that supports safe scissors use benefits everyone. This means having appropriate scissors for each task, as using the wrong type of scissors often leads to unsafe workarounds. It means establishing clear guidelines for children and teaching proper technique before allowing independent use. It means conducting regular safety audits in workplaces to identify and address potential hazards.
Scissors have been essential tools for thousands of years, and with proper respect for their capabilities, they will continue to serve us safely and effectively. By incorporating these safety practices into your daily habits, you protect yourself, those around you, and ensure your scissors remain in optimal condition for years of reliable service.