“Safety in the kitchen means using precautionary methods in the kitchen to prevent an accident. Most accidents in the kitchen are due to carelessness” -Author Unknown
While the kitchen is the best place in the house, it is also without a doubt; the kitchen is the most hazardous area. The kitchen plays host to a myriad of potential accidents, and the dangers you could experience here would extend beyond the “accidentally cutting yourself” sense. Consider what items you store in your kitchen, and you would readily see what this article is trying to illustrate.
Beyond the cutting boards, chopping knives and other kitchen utensils, your scullery is a cathedral of potentially risky items: a gas range, a type of gas from your preferred LPG supplier, exposed heat sources, household poisons, ceramics, and glassware. Furthermore, these are just a fraction of what other dangers you constantly expose yourself to while at work in the kitchen, so with this in mind; it would be apt to arm yourself with the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe in the kitchen. After all, kitchen accidents can be debilitating or even be disabling. So, here are some of the most common kitchen hazards and ways of avoiding them:
1. Radon Gas
While LPG cylinder is the vastly preferred fuel for heating in most households, there are homes that house more than just one potentially dangerous gas—and one of these is radon. Radon is a radioactive gas that is generated in rock soil, and continuous use can cause lung cancer and prolonged exposure to it can put you at risk for developing it. It has been said that radon is often found on granite countertops and other times, it is found in water where people using wells are at a higher risk. The gas is said to be undetectable by sight, taste and smell, so precautionary measures would mean having to test for it. Look for a testing kit in your nearest hardware store and check the radon levels in your home.
2. No Fire Extinguisher
Knowing that most house fires originate from the kitchen, it would only be sensible to have one installed in your kitchen. Having one installed in your kitchen would mean that in case a fire breaks out, a fire extinguisher would be within reach at all times. If you do not have a fire extinguisher or one in proximity to your kitchen, it is time you should. Look for a multipurpose extinguisher that works on ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical fires.
3. Falling
Slipping and falling are two common accidents that occur in the kitchen. But you should not take these too lightly, the presence of sharp edges around the corners of your countertops can make injuries from slips and falls even more severe. Puddles, newly-cleaned and gleaming floors are some of the reasons you can lose your footing and cause you to slip—which in worst scenarios, would result in concussions and even some cuts from the countertops and the floor. Additionally, the flailing caused by the involuntary fall might shatter glassware, spill hot liquids and the like. Limit the possibility of falls and slips by making sure to never cook on a wet floor and cleaning spills immediately as they occur.
4. Dirty Sponges
Your sponges harbor disease-causing bacteria, and if you do not thoroughly clean your sponges, you might end up spreading those bacteria around the kitchen—and even pass it to some utensils. Apart from making sure your kitchen utensils, counters and dishes are clean; you should also ensure that you are using a sponge that is clean as well. Remember, using one sponge to clean every single item in your kitchen increases the likelihood of bacteria spreading. Always have a separate sponge for cleaning the counters and tabletops and another one for the kitchen utensils and dishes. Change sponges regularly and always Microwave your sponges for about a minute to sterilize them. Take note, make sure you microwave your sponges wet as microwaving dry ones would be a fire hazard.
5. Burns and fires from stovetops
Your stovetop houses a myriad of potential hazards—from kitchen burns to fires. For this reason, you should always take extra care when using it as improper usage can lead to accidents and injuries. Always wear proper clothing when cooking, tie your hair and never leave any cooking unattended. Lastly, remember to keep small children away whenever you are cooking.