The kitchen is a great place, however without a little care and some rules it can also be a dangerous place.

Think about it, it’s filled with boiling water, hot fat, water and electricity – a pretty potent mixture for disaster. In addition, think of all the food and health safety issues there are?

So, as part of good kitchen organisation, there are a number of basics we should all adhere to that will ensure out homes are safer places. So, here are some essential safety tips we implore you to take on board as you start enjoying your new kitchen.

Electricity – Safer Better Kitchens

Electricity is behind a number of awful kitchen disasters and there are all sorts of issues that we all cause for ourselves in the kitchen. Here’s what to look out for:

  • If wires are frayed or have cuts in them, then replace them immediately. This includes mixers, toasters and anything else. A frayed wires can lead to electrocution – fix them.
  • Avoid using extension cords as they can cause all sorts of problems – mainly as they don’t have GFIs (ground fault interrupters).If you lack plugs get an electrician to install a junction box.
  • If you need new appliances look on eBay and similar sites – there are some great deals and it’s a lot better than dealing with broken items.
  • If toast gets stuck in a toaster – don’t put a metal object in there to get it out

Common Tips for a Safer Kitchen

  • Make sure your medicine and cleaning products have child proof locks
  • When cooking, turn handles of pots inwards
  • Always unplug appliances with a sharp blade before touching the edges
  • Be careful with sharp items like scissors and broken glass

When handling knives – Some Tips

  • Cut away from your body
  • Use a cutting board or surface as it will ensure grip
  • Protect counter tops from blades as they can leave marks
  • Keep blades sharp as a blunt blade is more likely to cause harm. It takes more force and is more likely to slip or cut something it shouldn’t
  • Never add knives to a sink of soapy water as they may be missed
  • Always be careful when drying knives
  • Lay them flat to dry
  • Never try catch them if they fall
  • Always wash before and after use

Fire

  • Never leave a pot on the heat if you’re not there to keep an eye on it
  • When cooking, don’t wear clothing that is loose or could be caught in a flame.
  • Don’t leave materials or towels close to open flames – this is a common cause of fire
  • Matches should also be placed high up and out of reach of children.
  • Don’t leave candles burning unattended either
  • Always ensure that there are no items in your kitchen blocking a fire or a radiator – these can get too hot and go up in flames.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen
  • If you end up with a grease fire on your hands then use baking powder or salt to help put it out.

Clean and Tidy

Keeping a kitchen clean and tidy not only looks nice, but it also is more likely to ensure people are safer. Here’s how to do it:

  • Don’t leave foods unattended
  • Don’t do two things at once. As we said in the outset of this piece, there are all sorts of items in the kitchen that can cause harm. Talking on the phone or doing something else when chopping food will end in disaster
  • Always clean up spills or pick up items off the floor as otherwise you’ll end up with an injury
  • Toys cause trips – pick them up and train children to do so too.
  • Use a stool if you need to get something from high up. It will stop items falling on your head
  • Keep children away from the kitchen when cooking as they can often end up in the wrong place at the wrong time

These tips have been created to help ensure your home is a safer, more enjoyable and better place for you and your family. Safety should always come first in the kitchen, so follow these tips and you’re a long part of the way toward ensuring it.