Kitchen Safety By: Laura Glantzberg

It can happen to YOU! The kitchen is one of the most dangerous places in the house. There are several precautions to take to prevent you from being another kitchen accident statistic.

Most Importantly… Know the safety practices! Use the safety practices!

Avoid the following: Loose sleeves- loose sleeves can catch fire or get caught in appliances. Long hair or jewelry- long hair should be tied back and jewelry should be removed to keep it from being caught in machinery (and for sanitary reasons). Foodborne Illness- be sure to wash your hands often while in the kitchen

Don’t forget! Keep the handles of pots and pans turned inward and away from traffic. Empty dishwasher after the dishes have cooled. Wear slip-resistant shoes in order to prevent falling. When reaching for something on the top shelf, use a stool!

The Truth About Knives Knives cause more severe injuries than any other hand tool. A dull knife slips more easily than a sharp knife. Always cut away from your body. When a knife starts to fall, let it!

Preventing Injuries from Glass Store glasses and cups upside down. If a glass breaks in soapy water, drain the water before attempting to clean up any of the glass. If there is broken glass on the floor, use a broom and dust pan to clean it up. Never try to pick it up with bare hands.

More Reminders Use a plexiglass or plastic cutting boards instead of a wooden one. Wooden cutting boards are more porous which can harbor more germs. When lifting something heavy, bend your knees and use your legs, not your back. Before operating any kitchen equipment, read the instruction manual. Before cleaning or moving kitchen equipment, unplug it. When unplugging an appliance, pull the plug NOT the cord.

Fire Safety for the Kitchen Overloaded circuits can potentially cause fires. Electricity and Water do not mix! If there’s a fire in your oven, close the oven door and turn off the heat. If a pan is on fire, turn off the heat and cover the pan tightly. Do NOT try to carry the pan outside! To extinguish a fire, use a fire blanket, fire extinguisher, or baking soda.

Kitchen Safety The most common injuries in the kitchen include burns, injuries from slips/trips/falls, cuts, strains, and electrical shock. The best way to eliminate or minimize injury in the kitchen is to always follow safety procedures, know what to do in an emergency, and always be on the lookout for potential hazards.