When combining thes factors, it is quite clear that a lot of things can go wrong, as a busy place + sharp and hot objects don't go together very well. Kitchens need their own separate set of rules to ensure the safety of the family and other members of the household. Below are some of the most essential tips one can implement to add a measure of security in this busy room.
1.) Use proper storage for all kitchen tools and cutlery. Knives and other sharp objects particularly require special attention, as they can easily cause accidents if they are not properly stored. One may use a drawer divider or a knife rack. Don't keep knives in places easily reached by children, and when washing, never leave them soaking in a dish or the sink.
2.) When cooking, be conscious of any exposed part of your body, as they can be easy targets for burns. People with long hair are advised to keep their hair in a hairnet or tight ponytail, to avoid the risk of singing their hair or contaminating the food they're working on. On the flipside, remove all unnecessary accessories so they won't accidentally snag on anything.
3.) When storing items, always remember to store the bulkiest and heaviest objects (e.g. crockpot, large frying pans, etc) on the lowest shelf. This is the minimize damage, should your shelf give way and collapse. Keep light items on the top shelf, and the most used items within reach.
4.) Always clean out the clutter as you work. For example, if you're done chopping up vegetables, dispose of the skins and unneeded stalks immediately instead of letting them all pile up. This also prevents scattering food components on the floor, thus reducing the chances of people slipping.
5.) Always wash and sanitize your hands before and after preparing raw meat to avoid contaminating the food.
6.) Do not put electrical appliances near the sink. Water is a very good conductor of electricity, so avoid increasing your chances of getting electrocuted by placing your appliances as far from the sink as possible. Likewise, do not unplug any device with a wet hand.
7.) When cooking, turn the handles of pats and pans inwards towards the center of the stove, so people don't accidentally knock into them and cause a major mess.
8.) When taking a look at your dish, always remember to remove the lid entirely, as steam is extremely hot and often invisible.
9.) Basic knife usage: Always cut away from yourself, and always pick up a knife by its handle not its blade. But if you're handing a knife to someone else, make sure the handle is facing the recipient.
10.) Lastly, when done with cooking, turn off all stoves and appliances, and unplug.
