Preventing Kitchen Accidents

Preventing Kitchen Accidents

Accidents Happen! Some kitchen accidents are due to ignorance… But most are due to human carelessness!

The most common kitchen accidents: • Chemical poisonings • Cuts • Burns • Fires • Falls Electrical shocks, choking, and other types of injury can also occur.

You can prevent accidents by: • Properly using and caring for equipment • Following good safety practices • Keeping the kitchen clean

CHEMICAL Poisoning Children are especially susceptible to chemical poisoning. To many children, household products (furniture polish, kitchen cleaners, bleach) look like food.

PREVENT: Keep all products in a safe location Not under the sink! Keep in original, labeled containers Take it with you if interrupted Don’t rely on safety caps! Wash all produce thoroughly (pesticides) TREAT: Call the nearest poison control center immediately Have the container on hand If the label lists instructions for first aid, follow them! Prevention & Treatment of Chemical Poisonings

Preventing Cuts • Keep knives sharp- dull blades can slip • Move the blade away from the body • Don’t try to catch a falling knife! • Only use knives to CUT • Keep fingers away from beaters, blenders, food processors, garbage disposals • Disconnect and use a non-metal utensil • Never pick up broken glass with your bare hands

To treat a cut: • Cover the wound with a sterile cloth • Apply firm pressure to the wound • Wash minor cuts with soap & water, apply antiseptic, and bandage • Severe wounds deserve a trip to the ER or doctor! (continue to apply pressure)

Preventing Burns & Fires What causes most kitchen burns? • Scalding liquids • Spattering grease • Hot cooking utensils Most kitchen fires are caused by: • Malfunctioning electric appliances • Carelessness around hot surfaces & open flames

Use pot holders • Turn all pan handles INWARD to prevent tipping • Open pan lids AWAY from you to prevent steam burns • Do not let children play near the range or cook without help • Disconnect small appliances when not in use • Use caution when heating liquids in the microwave • Wear tight-fitting clothing and roll up long sleeves • Do not hang flammable materials near the range

If a fire or burn occurs: • Have an extinguisher handy! • STOP, DROP, and ROLL • Run burned area under cool water • Do NOT apply ointment or grease of any kind! • Don’t break blisters

Preventing Falls • Don’t stand on a chair, box, or countertop to reach high places • Use a sturdy ladder or step stool • Wipe up spills from floors IMMEDIATELY! • Use cooking spray over the sink • Remove tripping risks- kids’ toys, shoes ,etc. • Don’t store heavy items on the top shelf!

Preventing Electric Shock • Never stand on a wet floor or work on a wet counter • Don’t touch electric items with wet hands • Don’t run cords under rugs/carpet • Don’t overload outlets or use extension cords if possible • Hold onto the PLUG, not the CORD, when disconnecting • Replace all cords/plugs when they become worn

Treating Electric Shock • DISCONNECT THE POWER SOURCE FIRST! • Use non-conducting material to pull victim away from the source • Rope, long piece of cloth, wooden pole • Call for help and begin rescue breathing (CPR)

Prevent by: Chewing food thoroughly Avoid talking/laughing with food in your mouth Don’t give children small, round pieces of food- cut slices in half! Treat by: Using the obstructed airway maneuver (aka Heimlich) Be sure the person IS choking Can they cough, breathe, or talk? CHOKING

Preventing Kitchen Accidents