Safety in the Kitchen

1. Safety in the Kitchen • The Safe Workplace Things that make a kitchen a safe workplace are: • Structure, equipment, and electric wiring in good repair. • Adequate lighting. • Non-slip floors. • Clearly marked exits. • Equipment supplied with necessary safety devices/protective guards. • Conveniently located emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire blankets and first-aid kits.

2. Safety in the Kitchen • Preventing Cuts • Keep Knives Sharp. A Sharp knife is safer than a dull one because it requires less pressure and is less likely to slip. • Always use a cutting board. Do nut cut against a metal surface. Always place a non-slip mat under your cutting board to keep it from slipping. • Do not try to catch a falling knife. Step back and let it fall. • Always pay close attention when working with knives. • Never put knives in sink with soapy water where they can’t be seen.

3. Safety in the Kitchen • Preventing Burns • Always assume a pot handle is HOT. Never grab pot handles with your bare hands. • Use dry pads or towels to handle hot pans. Wet ones will create steam, which can burn you. • Keep pot handles out of the aisle so people won’t bump into them. Also, always keep pot handles away from open flames of gas burners. • Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a chef coat and closed toe shoes to protect you from spilled or spattered hot foods and oils. • Always warn people when you are walking behind them with hot food or when you are walking behind someone working with hot food.

4. Safety in the Kitchen • Preventing Fires • Know where fire extinguishers are located and how to use them. 2. If a fire alarm sounds, before exiting the kitchen, turn off all gas and electric appliances. • Keep all exits free from obstacles. • DO NOT PANIC!!! Keep calm at all times.

5. Safety in the Kitchen • Preventing Injuries from Machines/Equipment • Do not use any equipment unless you understand its operation. • Use all guards and safety devices on equipment. Set slicing machines to “0” when not in use. • Unplug all equipment before disassembling or cleaning. • Tuck in any loose fitting clothing, to avoid getting them caught in machinery. • Use equipment only for the purpose intended.

6. Safety in the Kitchen • Preventing Slips and Falls • Clean up spills immediately. • Throw salt on a slippery spot to make it less slippery. • Keep aisles clear and unobstructed. • Don’t carry objects too big to see over. • Always walk, DON’T RUN!!!. • Use a stepping ladder to reach high shelves.

7. Safety in the Kitchen • Preventing Strains/Injury From Lifting • Lift with your leg muscles, not your back. • Don’t twist or turn your back while lifting. • Make sure that your footing is secure. • Use a cart to move heavy objects long distances. • If an object is too heavy and there is no cart…Don’t be afraid to ask for help!