1. Preventing Kitchen Accidents

2. Accidents Happen! Some kitchen accidents are due to ignorance…
But most are due to human carelessness!

3. The most common kitchen accidents:
Chemical poisonings
Cuts
Burns
Fires
Falls
Electrical shocks, choking, and other types of injury can also occur.

4. You can prevent accidents by:
Properly using and caring for equipment
Following good safety practices
Keeping the kitchen clean

5. CHEMICAL Poisoning
Children are especially susceptible to chemical poisoning.
To many children, household products (furniture polish, kitchen cleaners, bleach) look like food.

6. Prevention & Treatment of Chemical Poisonings
Keep all products in a safe location
Not under the sink!
Keep in original, labeled containers
Take it with you if interrupted
Don’t rely on safety caps!
Wash all produce thoroughly (pesticides)
TREAT:
Call the nearest poison control center immediately
Have the container on hand
If the label lists instructions for first aid, follow them!

7. Preventing Cuts Keep knives sharp- dull blades can slip
Move the blade away from the body
Don’t try to catch a falling knife!
Only use knives to CUT
Keep fingers away from beaters, blenders, food processors, garbage disposals
Disconnect and use a non-metal utensil
Never pick up broken glass with your bare hands

8. To treat a cut: Cover the wound with a sterile cloth
Apply firm pressure to the wound
Wash minor cuts with soap & water, apply antiseptic, and bandage
Severe wounds deserve a trip to the ER or doctor! (continue to apply pressure)

9. Preventing Burns & Fires
What causes most kitchen burns?
Scalding liquids
Spattering grease
Hot cooking utensils
Most kitchen fires are caused by:
Malfunctioning electric appliances
Carelessness around hot surfaces & open flames

10. Use pot holders
Turn all pan handles INWARD to prevent tipping
Open pan lids AWAY from you to prevent steam burns
Do not let children play near the range or cook without help
Disconnect small appliances when not in use
Use caution when heating liquids in the microwave
Wear tight-fitting clothing and roll up long sleeves
Do not hang flammable materials near the range

11. If a fire or burn occurs:
Have an extinguisher handy!
STOP, DROP, and ROLL
Run burned area under cool water
Do NOT apply ointment or grease of any kind!
Don’t break blisters

12. Preventing Falls
Don’t stand on a chair, box, or countertop to reach high places
Use a sturdy ladder or step stool
Wipe up spills from floors IMMEDIATELY!
Use cooking spray over the sink
Remove tripping risks- kids’ toys, shoes ,etc.
Don’t store heavy items on the top shelf!

13. Preventing Electric Shock
Never stand on a wet floor or work on a wet counter
Don’t touch electric items with wet hands
Don’t run cords under rugs/carpet
Don’t overload outlets or use extension cords if possible
Hold onto the PLUG, not the CORD, when disconnecting
Replace all cords/plugs when they become worn

14. Treating Electric Shock
DISCONNECT THE POWER SOURCE FIRST!
Use non-conducting material to pull victim away from the source
Rope, long piece of cloth, wooden pole
Call for help and begin rescue breathing (CPR)

15. CHOKING Treat by: Using the obstructed airway maneuver (aka Heimlich)
Be sure the person IS choking
Can they cough, breathe, or talk?
Prevent by:
Chewing food thoroughly
Avoid talking/laughing with food in your mouth
Don’t give children small, round pieces of food- cut slices in half!