Knife and Sharp Tool Control Log

Inspection template for tracking the issue, return, condition, and damage status of knives, blades, slitters, and cutters on the floor to help prevent broken-blade foreign material contamination in product.

Inspection Scope and Tool Register

• Inspection area and shift identified
  Record the production line, packaging area, department, and shift covered by this inspection.
• Tool register or issue log available for review
  Verify that the current knife, blade, slitter, or cutter issue/return log is available at the point of use.
• All controlled sharp tools in scope are listed
  Confirm the register includes all knives, blades, slitters, cutters, and other controlled sharp tools used in the area.
• Inspection start time recorded
  Capture the date and time the inspection began.
• Inspector name and role
  Enter the inspector's name and job title or role.

Tool Issue and Return Control

• Issued tools match the current floor count
  Count the controlled sharp tools currently in use and compare against the issue log.
• Returned tools are documented for the shift
  Verify that tools returned to storage, sanitation, or maintenance are recorded with date, time, and condition.
• All issued tools are accounted for at inspection time
  Confirm there are no missing knives, blades, slitters, or cutters relative to the issue log.
• Tool handoff includes employee or station identification
  Verify each issue or return entry identifies the employee, station, or authorized holder responsible for the tool.
• Tool storage location secured when not in use
  Confirm controlled sharp tools are stored in the designated secured location when not actively in use.

Blade and Tool Condition

• No broken, chipped, bent, or cracked blades observed
  Check all controlled sharp tools in use or staged for use for visible breakage, chipping, bending, or cracking.
• Blade retention and locking mechanism secure
  Verify the blade holder, guard, or locking mechanism is intact and prevents unintended blade release.
• Cutting edge condition acceptable for use
  Assess whether the cutting edge is suitable for continued use without excessive wear or instability.
• Damaged tool tagged and removed from service
  Confirm any damaged or suspect tool is immediately segregated, tagged, and removed from the floor.
• Replacement blade or tool issued through controlled process
  Verify replacement blades or tools are issued only through the approved control process and recorded in the log.

Foreign Material Prevention Controls

• Blade breakage prevention controls in place
  Verify the area uses approved controls such as blade guards, breakaway blades, or controlled changeout procedures where required.
• Search performed after any blade damage or breakage event
  Confirm a documented product, equipment, and floor search was completed after any suspected blade breakage.
• Suspect product isolated pending disposition
  Verify any product potentially exposed to a missing or broken blade fragment is placed on hold or isolated.
• Foreign material incident logged and escalated
  Confirm blade loss, breakage, or foreign material events are recorded and escalated per site procedure.

Corrective Actions and Closeout

• Deficiencies documented with corrective action
  Record any non-conformance, deficiency, or critical item failure and the corrective action taken.
• Supervisor or competent person notified
  Confirm the supervisor, quality lead, or competent person was notified of any failure or suspected blade loss.
• Inspection completed and signed
  Inspector signature confirming the inspection is complete and accurate.
• Inspection end time recorded
  Capture the date and time the inspection was completed.