Retractable safety scalpel that supports and enhances safe passing procedures and protocols already practiced within the operating room and theatres. Colour coded for ease of blade shape recognition. Supporting existing safe passing protocols and procedures the scalpel has a reinforced temporary lock in the forward user position ensuring the blade will stay extended even if it encounters a hard surface or bone during use. When in the retracted position the slider mechanism contains a notch that holds the blade securely in the retracted position. A permanent lock position at the rear of the scalpel, requiring a conscious amount of force to engage the slider, ensures the contaminated blade remains retracted whilst disposing in an appropriate sharps container at the end of the procedure.