Knife Safety Guidelines for Galley Personnel
In our careers as cooks, we consistently strive to provide the best service – fresh food, prepared with care and expertise, designed to delight and nurture diners as best we can. However, if we don’t care for our own health while we work, we won’t be able to do this job very long….
One of the areas this is felt most acutely for chefs is of course with knife safety. One wrong move and a chef can be incapacitated for a very long time…. So let’s take a moment to remember the basics.
Proper knife handling and maintenance are crucial for personal safety in the galley. Following these best practices helps reduce accidents and ensures a safer working environment
Safe Knife Handling
- Always use a stable, non-slip cutting board or surface when cutting.
- Cut away from your body to prevent accidental injuries.
- When handing a knife to someone else, either place it on a surface for them to pick up or offer it handle-first, with the blade pointed away.
- Never attempt to catch a falling knife. Step back and let it fall safely.
- Store knives securely in designated racks, holders, or sheaths immediately after use—never leave them unattended on counters or in sinks.
- Report any cuts or injuries immediately to ensure proper medical attention and record-keeping.
- It’s crucial to always use a well sharpened knife. Dull knives require more force for cutting and cause worse accidents accordingly. That’s why Knife Maintenance is so important for safety!
Knife Maintenance
- Sharpen knives regularly using appropriate sharpening tools or equipment – Ideally both a whet stone and a sharpening rod. Use the whet stone to build an edge, and a rod to maintain it throughout the day.
- Clean knives thoroughly after each use with warm water and mild detergent, and dry them immediately to prevent corrosion.
- Inspect knives frequently for damage such as cracks or loose handles. Damaged knives should be removed from service and reported for repair or replacement.
- Adhering to these guidelines significantly enhances safety and efficiency in the galley.
