BASIC SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING UTILITY AND ROOFING KNIVES
Make sure that the blade is properly seated and that the knife is properly tightened.
Use proper eye protection.
Do not use knives if you are drowsy or taking medication that makes you drowsy.
Always use a sharp blade. More force is required when using dull blades and they are more likely to slip. Replace the blade whenever it starts to tear instead of cut.
Keep your free hand away from your line of cutting.
Always pull the knife towards you when cutting on a flat surface. A pulling motion is stronger than a pushing motion and your knife is less likely to slip.
When using a knife to cut through thick materials make several passes, cutting deeper with each pass.
Avoid bending blades and applying side loads to them. You can damage the knife and cause the blade to break.
Retract the blade when not in use and store in a safe place.