The Swann-Morton Retractable safety scalpel supports and enhances safe passing procedures and protocols already practiced within the Operating Room and Theatres. Colour coded for ease of blade shape recognition the scalpels now feature a stronger temporary forward lock position to prevent uncontrolled retraction when contacting with bone during use, an additional notch to hold the blade more securely in the passing position and a rear permanent lock to be engaged prior to final disposal in a sharps container.