Basic Kitchen Safety

An understanding of proper safety procedures in the lab or at home will encourage students to be more cautious in their lab experiences. If students practice safety procedures they will better understand their meaning and be able to use them on a daily basis. Falls, cuts, burns, poisoning, and electric shock can be prevented with safe work habits.

A number of work habits will prevent falls:

 

Don’t leave objects or spills on the floor.

Use a step ladder rather than a chair.

Rugs must have non-skid backing.

 

First aid for falls:

Don't move a person with broken bones unless necessary.

Call medical help if head ache, dizziness, vomiting, or speech impairment occur following a head injury.

Mild bruises/sprains need ice bags or cold water/cloths and elevation.

 

A number of work habits will prevent cuts:

Keep knives sharp so you don't have to push as hard.

Never catch a falling knife in mid-air.

Wash knives separately.

Keep knives in a rack or separate from other equipment.

Don't use knives for anything but cutting.

Keep fingers away from mixer blades.

Cut lids completely off cans and throw them out.

Sweep up rather than pick up broken glass and wipe up tiny pieces with several thicknesses of damp paper towel.

When a glass breaks in the kitchen sink, let the water out using several paper towels; then wipe out pieces with paper towels.

 

First Aid for Cuts:

Stop severe bleeding with the pressure of a thick cloth; get medical help

For minor cuts - wash with soap and water, blot dry and bandage.

 

A Number of Work Habits Will Prevent Fire and Burns:

Don’t put flammable materials near hot appliances.

Avoid loose clothing with long sleeves.

Use dry pot holders not towels.

Store flammable materials away from heat.

Wipe off the range after each use to avoid grease build up.

To light a gas range, light the match first before turning on the gas.

If you smell gas, don't turn on any appliances--ventilate the room and call the gas company.

Turn pan handles in toward the back of range.

Remove pan lids so steam escapes away from you.

Keep appliance cords out of the way.

Use both hands to remove a pan from the oven.

Turn off appliances/oven when cooking is finished.

Lower food into fat with a spoon - not fingers.

 

In Case of Fire:

Turn off the appliance.

Use baking soda instead of water to extinguish a fire.

Use a fire extinguisher.

If clothing catches on fire, drop to the ground and roll.

Crawl on the ground to get out of a smoke-filled room.

 

First Aid for Burns:

Cool it with cold water; prolonged contact to ice will freeze tissue.

Avoid ointments, grease and oil (they contribute to the cooking process of the burn).

 

First Aid for Choking:

If person can speak, cough or breath do nothing. Do the abdominal thrust procedure.

 

A Number of Work Habits Will Prevent Poisoning:

Use original containers with their labels.

Securely close and lock cabinets.

Store chemicals on a high shelf away from food containers.

Follow antidote directions in a well ventilated area if poisoning occurs.

Never mix compounds such as bleach and ammonia.

Use charcoal/hibachi grills outside only; they give off carbon monoxide.

 

First Aid for Poisons:

Call for medical help and, if possible, use the antidote on the label.

If there are fumes, the get person to a well ventilated area.

If eyes are irritated, flush them with water.

 

A number of work habits will prevent electric shock:

Keep water away from electrical appliances.

Don’t place electric cords near hot objects.

Avoid octopus outlets (one outlet with many cords).

Use heavy duty extension cords.

Disconnect appliances before cleaning them.

Don't immerse electric appliances in liquid.

Connect detachable cords to the appliances first then plug them in;

Don't use damaged appliances.

Use only a wet/dry vacuum on a wet floor.

Keep metal away from the working parts of an appliance (don’t use a fork to pull bread out of a toaster).

 

First Aid for Electric Shock:

Don't touch a person connected to electricity.

Turn off the power, pull the plug, or pull the person away with a cloth loop.

Administer CPR, if qualified, and call for medical help.