Preventing Kitchen Accidents

Kitchen Safety Basic Focus on what you’re doing. The most routine tasks can be dangerous if your mind wanders. Dress for safety. Wear short or snug sleeves. Tie back long hair and apron strings. Dangling pieces of jewelry and other items can tangle in appliances or catch fire. Practice safe use of all tools and equipment. Use the right tool for the job. A butter knife is handy for spreading homemade jam, but it takes a can opener to pry off the jar lid.

Kitchen Basics Cont’d. Close drawers and doors completely. Otherwise, a serious bump, bruise, or cut on the head could result. Store large pots and other heavy or bulky items on low shelves, within easy reach. Control clutter. Put items back where they belong as soon as you finish using them. Wash and dry dishes and empty the drying rack as needed.

Preventing Falls Eliminate hazards can reduce slips and trips. Keep the floor clean of clutter. Wipe up spills, splatters, and peelings. Use a step stool instead of climbing on the counter.

Handling Sharp Edges Dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one. Store them separately from other utensils. Always use a cutting board. Graters, peelers, chopping tools, mixers and can lids also have sharp edges and caution needs to be taken as well. Wash utensils with sharp edges separately. Air dry, do not dry with a towel. Let a sharp edges object fall onto the floor, back away and resist the urge to catch it.

Preventing Fires and Burns Grease and food build up cause most appliance fires. Use dry oven mitts, wet ones can carry heat. Also be sure there are no holes in the mitts. Unused heating elements must be turned off. Fabrics near heat can catch fire if they are too close. Ovens are the most common cause of kitchen burns. Place racks in appropriate spots before turning it on. Keep a working fire extinguisher near.

Preventing Burns and Fires cont’d. Keep a smoke detectors up-to-date by checking them every 6 months. If you see flames smother them with a lid, do not use baking powder or flour and never use water. When removing a lid from boiling water or draining food from boiling water pour or lift lid AWAY from you to avoid steam burns.

Electrical Safety Plug in appliances only when needed. Do not run extension cords in your kitchen they can cause fire hazard. Never put fingers in an appliance that is plugged in even if it’s off. Don’t over load a plug. Know the wattage needed for your appliance and what the outlet offers.

Hazardous Household Chemicals Use proper ventilation. Read instructions for proper use. Never mix cleaning products. Leave them in their original containers. Store away from food. Substitutions: Baking soda and boiling water can dissolve most sink clogs. Borax sprinkled outside the doors or windows can discourage ants from coming inside. Diluted vinegar cleans glass.

Cooking Outdoors Safely Always start with a clean grill. Set the grill on a level surface away from buildings and shrubs. Never use a charcoal grill inside or in a garage. If using lighter fluid apply before lighting a match, do not add once fire has started. Use fireproof gloves or heavy duty grilling utensils with long handles. Fat and meat juices can drip on coals causing a flare up, you can use a spray bottle to mist the flare ups. When you are finished let the coals burn down to ashes or completely cut off the propane to the grill.

Protecting Family Members Children Never leave children alone in the kitchen whether you are cooking or not. Protect toddlers by using safety latches on drawers and cabinets. If children want to help, set up a small table with utensils and provide them with simple tasks. Model safe habits. People with Physical Challenges Add more or better light Use unbreakable dishes and glassware Store frequently used items in easy to reach places. Keep magnifying glass in the kitchen to read labels. Supply round rubber jar openers for gripping appliance knobs. Put mixing bowl on a damp dish cloth to secure them on the countertop.

In Case of an Accident Heimlich Maneuver: procedure for dislodging an object from the throat of a person who is choking. CPR: procedure to revive a person whose breathing and heartbeat have stopped. Call help when necessary and stay calm, panicking keeps you from thinking clearly.