Which practice best aligns with safe passing of scissors and clamps?

Which practice best aligns with safe passing of scissors and clamps?

• A. Hold them by the handles and pass with the blades toward the recipient to speed up.
• B. Hold them by the hinge (sharp side) with the blade outward, and use a passing tray to reduce exposure.
• C. Pass the instruments by grabbing the blades with gloved hands.
• D. Place on a tray and pass with blades facing inward.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to hand off sharp instruments in a way that keeps the cutting edges away from both people and provides a predictable transfer point. Holding the instrument by the hinge keeps your fingers out of the path of the blades, giving you solid control, while orienting the blade edge to face outward toward the recipient means the sharp edge isn’t brushing against your hand. Presenting the instrument this way allows the recipient to grasp the handles safely without reaching for a blade. Using a passing tray adds a defined transfer surface, stabilizes the handoff, and prevents the blades from being exposed or dropped during the exchange. This combination minimizes the risk of accidental cuts or injuries.

The main idea is to hand off sharp instruments in a way that keeps the cutting edges away from both people and provides a predictable transfer point. Holding the instrument by the hinge keeps your fingers out of the path of the blades, giving you solid control, while orienting the blade edge to face outward toward the recipient means the sharp edge isn’t brushing against your hand. Presenting the instrument this way allows the recipient to grasp the handles safely without reaching for a blade. Using a passing tray adds a defined transfer surface, stabilizes the handoff, and prevents the blades from being exposed or dropped during the exchange. This combination minimizes the risk of accidental cuts or injuries.