Safety should always be a top priority in the kitchen. In this article, we break down what you should always be wary of when cooking and cleaning in the kitchen to help keep everyone safe.
Basic Kitchen Safety Rules
- Always keep a clean work surface and cookware in your kitchen.
- Keep hot surfaces away from drafts and windows.
- Use uncommon or impossible-to-reach utensils safely by using the offset method.
- Never use a microwave oven if you are pregnant or have an pacemaker.
- Make sure your stove, oven, and refrigerator are in good working order by checking the temperature, levels of heat, and water/ice capacity.
- Be careful when handling knives; always use proper cutting techniques and be aware of sharp blades when handling them.
- Never leave food on the stove unattended; it can easily overheat and create a dangerous fire hazard.
- Store food properly to avoid spoilage; refrigerate perishable items immediately after cooking or eating them and store leftovers in the fridge for no more than 3 days max., unless they're labeled "ready to eat."
How to Protect Your Hands When Handling Raw Meat
When cooking or handling raw meat, it is important to take precautions to protect your hands. Here are some tips:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you start.
Use a cutting board that is covered in plastic or a dish towel to avoid contact with the raw meat.
Wrap the meat in plastic wrap if it will not fit on the cutting board.
Hold the meat with clean hands and use sharp knife to cut into thin slices. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth while handling raw meat.
What to Do If You’ve Cut Yourself
How to Keep Your Kitchen Free From Pests
Keep your counters clean. A dirty counter can be a great place for pests to live and breed. Clean them regularly with a household cleaner or a specially designed counter-top cleaner.
Keep your appliances clean. Dirty appliances are magnets for pests. Always keep your oven, stovetops, and other cooking appliances clean by using a cleaning cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool attachment.
Store food properly. Food that is not stored properly can become contaminated by pests and create an inviting environment for them to live in and multiply. Make sure to keep food sealed in airtight containers and away from moisture and heat sources like the stovetop or oven.
Drain water from dishes before washing them. Not draining water from dishes before you wash them can lead to biohazards like salmonella cropping up in your dishwasher detergent suds! Just pour off any excess water before putting your dishes in the washer or dryer.
Common Kitchen Hazards: What To Look Out For
In the kitchen, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. From ovens to cooking pots and pans, there are a lot of potential hazards that can happen. Here are some of the most common kitchen dangers:
Overheating: One of the biggest dangers in the kitchen is over heating. If something is left on the stove too long or if there's not enough ventilation, it can cause an oven or cookware to catch on fire.
Electrical Shock: Another big danger in the kitchen is electrical shock. Open circuits and exposed wiring can be dangerous if they're touched accidentally.
Scalding Hot Liquids: Never pour hot liquids onto yourself or another person - it's easy to do and very dangerous. hot liquids can easily cause third-degree burns.
Slippery Floors: Always be careful when walking in wet or icy conditions - especially in the kitchen! A spilled bowl of soup or milk on the floor can easily make things slippery, so be extra cautious when moving around!
Sharp Objects: Keep your knives sharp by keeping them clean and stored properly - otherwise, they could become dangerous weapons. And remember to avoid placing anything sharp on a cutting board - dishes, for example - as this is another common hazard in kitchens!
Conclusion
We hope that this article on kitchen safety has given you a better understanding of what needs to be done when cooking in the kitchen. From keeping your hands clean and avoiding cross-contamination, to making sure your stove is properly heated and in good working order, there are a few simple steps that can help make your cooking experience more safe and comfortable. Thanks for reading!
