Kitchen safety measures
Il est important de connaitre les mesures de sécurité à respecter en cuisine, pour votre sécurité et pour la sécurité de tous. Que ce soit les règles d’hygiène ou les gestes à connaitre en cas d’incendie ou encore les équipements que vous devez avoir en cuisine, découvrez les mesures de sécurité à respecter en cuisine.
What safety equipment should you have in your kitchen?
Electric and gas cooking appliances are a relative fire hazard. Indeed, if you forget or break down, things can quickly get out of hand.
Therefore :
- Avoid storing items above the oven or cooktops, for example;
- An evacuation plan is needed to remove the smoke.
- You must have appropriate fire extinguishers to be able to react quickly in an emergency. It is essential to use the right extinguisher for the type of fire.
- L’utilisation d’un extincteur inefficace, comme un extincteur à eau sur un feu causé par l’électricité, peut être nuisible.
Kitchen layout and safety rules
In a kitchen, there is water, fire and electricity, which can easily become sources of danger if not properly combined.
The installation of a kitchen must follow specific guidelines. Consider the heights and measurements required for maximum flexibility of movement. Here are some tips:
- Avoid storing objects above the oven or hobs, for example ;
- Separate the water source from electronic equipment to avoid electrocution;
- Avoid placing the cooking zone near a door so that the handles of your utensils do not hit the door.
Safety in the kitchen and the use of knives
Incorrectly used knives can cause serious damage. Therefore, it is essential to be extremely careful when handling blades and to concentrate on this task.
- When cutting vegetables, be sure to use a cutting board.
- Wear a product or fruit with a cloth or glove for a better grip.
When cleaning knives, extreme care should be taken. The tip of the knife should always point downwards.
Kitchen clothing and hygiene instructions
- For each practical session, wear a clean and complete professional outfit with cap and gown.
- As often as needed, change your apron and towel.
- Only collect hot dishes and dishes with your tea towel.
- Before each preparation, wash your hands.
- Only use handwashes that have been recommended.
- Cut your nails and brush them regularly.
- Instead of using your tea towel to clean your hands, use disposable towels.
- Wear durable, covered, comfortable and non-slip work shoes.
- Do not stay in the kitchen with your work clothes on.
Reduce the likelihood of a cut
Cuts to fingers can be caused by cellophane and foil, as well as the sharp edges of unwinders. Keep boxes tightly closed and out of reach of children.
Sharp objects (e.g. knives) may be in the dishwasher and cause cuts. Make sure that the dishwasher door is closed and that knives are placed in the dishwasher with the point downwards.
When using certain kitchen tools and gadgets (blender, knives, etc.), be careful and store all kitchen utensils, especially sharp ones, in a cupboard or drawer.
Finally, the bin is an often overlooked cutting hazard. If there are shards of glass or other sharp debris in the bin, then avoid tipping it over with your hands.
Kitchen safety and accidental falls
The greatest risk of hospitalization from falls in toddlers is due to high chairs. To prevent your child from tipping the high chair backwards, secure the chair with the safety straps and place the chair away from the edge of another piece of furniture.
Tile floors are used in kitchens for easy cleaning. However, oil on the floor during cooking or moisture on the floor after cleaning makes the surface more slippery, which can lead to slips and falls.
Kitchen safety and choking hazards
Plastic bags (shopping bags, freezer bags and food bags) should never be placed within the reach of children. If a plastic bag is placed over a child's head, it can suffocate them by restricting their airways.
Fridge magnets, like all tiny items, can cause asphyxiation in young people if swallowed. Small magnets should be avoided or placed on top of the fridge, out of reach of children.
How to protect yourself from burns in the kitchen?
Many burns are caused by the oven. When using the oven, it is advisable to keep children away and to use a protective grid. When removing a dish from the oven, adults should use appropriate gloves (heat insulating and non-flammable).
Another important source of burns is gas cookers or hobs: do not touch hot hobs, do not splash oil or boiling water, always be vigilant and never leave young people unattended.
Skin burns can be caused by household products (bleach, etc.). Danger pictograms identify chemical or toxic products, and their labels provide instructions for use.
Prevention of poisoning
If absorbed, household items can potentially produce poisoning. It is therefore essential not to leave them within the reach of a child, nor to move their contents into other bottles to avoid accidental consumption.
It is important to always check the expiry dates of food stored in cupboards and freezers.
Food, especially meat and fish, should always be fresh before consumption.
En cas d’apparition de symptômes d’intoxication (vomissement, diarrhée, maux de ventre, etc) contactez un médecin au plus vite.
What to do in case of a kitchen fire?
If a fire breaks out on your stove, never use water to put out an oil fire! Fire is fueled and spread by water!
- Never move a burning container;
- Cover the burning container with a properly sized lid as soon as possible;
- Turn off all heaters, the oven and the hood if possible;
- Even if the fire appears to be out, call the fire department. It is possible that the fire has spread to the hood duct;
- Open doors and windows to ventilate and evacuate your home if the fire is out but there is a build-up of smoke;
- If the fire is burning, get out as quickly as possible and call the fire department.
When you return home after a fire, repair or have your stove examined by a professional before using it again. Do the same with any other kitchen gadgets.