Some of us are preparing food in our office, after-work grilling, and, in the home. Today’s topic will focus on knives and fires – two of the most dangerous things around the kitchen (after people and food).
Knife Safety
Keep knives sharp. If your knife is sharp, it will slide easily through what you are cutting, with little force involved. If the knife is blunt, you have to force it and if you slip there is real danger of cuts.
Point Away. Do not cut toward you or your fingers. Pay attention to where the edge of your sharp blade is pointing, and make sure it can not get you if you or the knife slipis.
Don’t leave sharp knives loose in a drawer.
Do not try and catch dropped knives. Though the instinct is to try and catch it, let it go.
Do not put knives in the sink. Wash separately.
Put knives down safely. When you lay a knife down, don’t lay it with the blade pointing up and make sure it is away from the surface edge.
Fire and Hot Oil Safety in the Kitchen
Most kitchen fires start because of heating fat or oil. To extinguish a fat fire, cover it with a fire blanket or damp cloth and turn off the gas or power. You can use foam of powder extinguishers but NEVER use water. Do not try to carry the burning pan! Keep a fire extinguisher close by.
General Safety Rules
If you spill something on the floor, clean it up.
Do not leave boxes, stools, bags of groceries out on the floor where they can trip up a fast moving cook.
Kitchen Electricity – keep your eyes on the electricity in your kitchen, it can electrocute you, or cause fires if it gets loose. Keep an eye on all electrical cords. Watch for any breaks or cuts, or frayed areas where the cord passes over an edge or something has sat on it. Repair any damage you find.
Don’t overload circuits by using multiple plugs, extension cords or the like.
Don’t use appliances near the sink or other water. If one falls in, it can electrocute anyone nearby. If you must have a wall socket near the sink, make sure it has a “Ground Fault Interrupter” type socket assembly.