The kitchen is one of the most frequently used areas in the home, and one of the most dangerous.
Accidents both small and large happen in both home and office kitchens on a regular basis.
Keeping your kitchen safe and using safe practices can help to diminish the risk of personal injury.
Many of these things seem obvious but it amazing how often we forget.
One of the biggest risks in the kitchen can be from burns.
Some stove tops can hold their heat for a long time without it being evident.
It can be a good idea to keep a covering on them when not in use, especially if you have children around.
Keeping pot lids turned inwards also helps to prevent them being accidentally grabbed and knocked over.
For the best cooking results most ovens need to be turned on prior to cooking.
Small burns often occur by accidentally touching the elements.
It always pays to use oven mitts not just when removing food from the oven but when putting it in too.
Steam burns from microwaved food are another common accident.
Always remove any covering carefully and away from you.
Things like microwave popcorn should be treated with extra care and should be opened by an adult.
Most people now use cordless kettles and this has gone a long way to reducing burns from jug cords being pulled down.
It is always best to have the mug or container near the kettle for pouring rather than carrying the kettle around.
Large hot water urns are common in office kitchens and can often be a source of danger especially for new staff or visitors.
They must be kept in good condition with instructions for use clearly marked.
If a burn should occur the treatment is always the same - 10 minutes under cold running water.
After using the cold water many people find relief covering the burn with a bandage soaked in lavender water.
If the surface of the burn is large seek medical attention.
Sharp objects There is no getting away from the fact that we need knives and other sharp implements in our kitchens.
Sharp knives should be kept well away from children and care should be taken when chopping especially if food is wet.
Always make sure your hands are dry to avoid slipping.
When peeling or carving food always peel or carve away from your self.
Take care when handling food processors and hand graters too.
Rinsing out tin cans can often cause cuts and needs to be done carefully.
Deal with broken glass quickly and thoroughly.
Keep a first-aid kit in the kitchen just in case of cuts.
Always clean a cut before applying a band-aid.
For larger cuts keep clean bandages or towels available.
Apply pressure to the wound to help stop bleeding.
If a bandage becomes soaked through add another one rather than removing and seek medical attention if you think it is required.
Slips and falls Freshly washed kitchen floors can be very slippery.
Try to avoid carrying hot food or sharp objects around the kitchen when it is wet.
Mop up any spills immediately.
Pets in the kitchen can be a hazard too.
Tripping over a hungry cat has caused many an accident in the kitchen.
If possible keep them out when cooking.
Accidents both small and large happen in both home and office kitchens on a regular basis.
Keeping your kitchen safe and using safe practices can help to diminish the risk of personal injury.
Many of these things seem obvious but it amazing how often we forget.
One of the biggest risks in the kitchen can be from burns.
Some stove tops can hold their heat for a long time without it being evident.
It can be a good idea to keep a covering on them when not in use, especially if you have children around.
Keeping pot lids turned inwards also helps to prevent them being accidentally grabbed and knocked over.
For the best cooking results most ovens need to be turned on prior to cooking.
Small burns often occur by accidentally touching the elements.
It always pays to use oven mitts not just when removing food from the oven but when putting it in too.
Steam burns from microwaved food are another common accident.
Always remove any covering carefully and away from you.
Things like microwave popcorn should be treated with extra care and should be opened by an adult.
Most people now use cordless kettles and this has gone a long way to reducing burns from jug cords being pulled down.
It is always best to have the mug or container near the kettle for pouring rather than carrying the kettle around.
Large hot water urns are common in office kitchens and can often be a source of danger especially for new staff or visitors.
They must be kept in good condition with instructions for use clearly marked.
If a burn should occur the treatment is always the same - 10 minutes under cold running water.
After using the cold water many people find relief covering the burn with a bandage soaked in lavender water.
If the surface of the burn is large seek medical attention.
Sharp objects There is no getting away from the fact that we need knives and other sharp implements in our kitchens.
Sharp knives should be kept well away from children and care should be taken when chopping especially if food is wet.
Always make sure your hands are dry to avoid slipping.
When peeling or carving food always peel or carve away from your self.
Take care when handling food processors and hand graters too.
Rinsing out tin cans can often cause cuts and needs to be done carefully.
Deal with broken glass quickly and thoroughly.
Keep a first-aid kit in the kitchen just in case of cuts.
Always clean a cut before applying a band-aid.
For larger cuts keep clean bandages or towels available.
Apply pressure to the wound to help stop bleeding.
If a bandage becomes soaked through add another one rather than removing and seek medical attention if you think it is required.
Slips and falls Freshly washed kitchen floors can be very slippery.
Try to avoid carrying hot food or sharp objects around the kitchen when it is wet.
Mop up any spills immediately.
Pets in the kitchen can be a hazard too.
Tripping over a hungry cat has caused many an accident in the kitchen.
If possible keep them out when cooking.
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