subject: Kitchen Safety Tips: How to Handle Fire and Hot Oils [print this page] Kitchen Safety Tips: How to Handle Fire and Hot Oils
In a busy kitchen, an accident is always waiting to happen. It only needs opportunity and there are loads of those in any kitchen.Slips and falls, strains and sprains, burns, cuts and lacerations are frequent kitchen injuries.
Fire and hot oil are among the most hazardous things inside a kitchen. Here are a few Safety Tips to keep you out of trouble.
* Fats and oils are flammable especially when they are used in cooking. Remember to always pay attention.
* Be aware of electrical cords near cooking areas. Never leave them where it can cause someone to slip and fall.
* Be very cautious about super heated vapors from pressure cookers, steam pipes and boilers. They can cause severe burns.
* When handling a steaming pot of food, remove the cover far aside so the rising steam won't blister your hands.
* Have at least two fire extinguishers where they are easily accessible. Read the instructions so you would know how to usethem.
* Never leave hot pan handles sticking out over the floor. Always rotate the handles to the side to avoid accidents from
occuring.
* Your first aid kit must have professional quality burn medications on hand.
It is imperative that while cooking on the stove, you give it its due attention. Never sit in front of the computer or talk on thephone while in the other room. Your concentration can easily be diverted and sometimes lose track of time. Many fires start thisway and could have been prevented if only the cook was paying more attention to what he was doing.
Lastly, accidents do happen. It is best that someone in the kitchen has been trained in first aid.
