National foreword

This British Standard has been prepared under the direction of the Health Care Standards Policy Committee and is the English language version of EN 27740:1992Instruments for surgery, scalpels with detachable blades, fitting dimensions, including amendment A1, published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). It partially supersedes BS 2982:1986 and is identical with ISO 7740:1985 published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Dimensions for the fitting of scalpels with detachable blades were first published in BS 2982:1958. BS 2982:1992 only specifies requirements for the materials and packaging of blades and handles of surgical scalpels.

WARNING. It should be noted that attempts to engage or disengage blades and handles that are not manufactured in accordance with these agreed dimensions, or where the scalpel handle is significantly worn, could place the operator at risk of injury due to sudden freeing or sticking of the blade.

Provision has not been made for the specification of shapes and sizes of blades, because they are subject to considerable variation as a result of the many uses to which this equipment is put.

Attention is drawn to the foreword of BS 5194-1:1991, in which the British Standards relating to surgical instruments are described.

Product certification. Users of this British Standard are advised to consider the desirability of third party certification of product conformity with this British Standard based on testing and continuing product surveillance which may be coupled with assessment of a supplier's quality systems against the appropriate Part of BS 5750.

Enquiries as to the availability of third party certification schemes are forwarded by BSI to the Association of Certification Bodies. If a third party certification scheme does not already exist, users should consider approaching an appropriate body from the list of Association members.

A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.

Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity from legal obligations.

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication

Date	Text affected

BS EN 27740:1992

Specification for dimensions of surgical scalpels with detatchable blades

Current

Published:

15 Oct 1992