The kitchen can be a dangerous place The kitchen is a fast-paced and sometimes stressful place to be. With the addition of open flame, knives and other hazards, the kitchen can be dangerous. For this reason kitchen safety should be taken seriously. Fortunately with the proper knowledge and training, the risk of injury in the kitchen can be greatly reduced or avoided.
But who is responsible? According to the US Government, it is the employer s job to keep their employees safe. This requires proper training and supervision. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration, formed in 1970, defines and enforces safe working conditions.
Do your part Even with proper training and supervision, YOU must take personal responsibility. Using good judgment and applying kitchen safety skills will help keep you and those around you SAFE! It is important that you: understand the dangers of the kitchen. help to prevent accidents. know what to do if an accident occurs. know who to contact in case of an emergency. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz-kzgo65da
Dressing for Safety While a uniform helps to distinguish a culinary professional, each part of the uniform plays a specific role in keeping one safe.
Chef s Jacket & Pants The jacket is designed with long sleeves to protect the cook s arms from steam, splatters and heat. The double-breasted design protects the chef s chest from heat while standing next to a hot stove or oven. Long pants should always be worn in the kitchen to protect the legs from burns.
Aprons & Headwear Professional chefs must wear a chef s hat or other headwear. This not only keeps hair and sweat out of the face while cooking but it also protects the food from contamination. Aprons should not be used to wipe hands as this can cause contamination. Aprons help to keep the chef clean but also provide an extra layer to protect from burns and scalds.
Footwear & Jewelry When working in the kitchen, you should wear solid, closed toe shoes. Preferably, these shoes should have a non-skid sole. These features will protect toes from falling knives and heavy objects while preventing slips or falls. Jewelry shouldn t be worn in the kitchen. It can catch on equipment, cause injury or fall into food, becoming a physical hazard. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4upyhdwvwzu
KITCHEN INJURIES While most kitchen injuries are minor, it is important to be prepared. All kitchens should have a properly stocked first aid kit. Employees should know where to locate it. FIRST AID KIT CONTENTS - Adhesive Tape - Antiseptic Ointment - Adhesive Bandages - Burn gel or spray - Cold pack - Gloves - Gauze Pads - Eye-washing bottles - Hand Cleaner - Plastic Bags - Scissors - Tweezers The following should only be used when instructed by Poison Control Center: - Activated Charcoal - Ipecac syrup
CUTS When working with knives, accidents will happen. To avoid the frequency and severity of cuts, the following precautions should be taken: Practice correct knife-cutting skills. Carry a knife by your side, tip down. Never leave a knife in the sink, especially in soapy water where it may not be seen. Never try to catch a falling knife. Sharp knives are safe knives. Dull knives cause injury! Only use knives for cutting. Never try to open a can with a knife.
Falls Slips and falls are some of the most common injuries in the kitchen. Tips to prevent falls: Quickly clean up spills and display wet floor sign. Clean greasy floors immediately. Keep floors and walkways clear of obstructions. Never run in the kitchen. Wear shoes with non-slip soles.
BURNS Most burns are minor but they can be very serious and very painful. Burns can be prevented if you: never use a damp or wet towel as a hot pad. use a thick hot pad or mitt. never place hot dishes or pans in the dishwashing station without alerting the dish staff. when carrying hot pans through the kitchen, let others know by saying Hot! or Hot Behind! avoid contact with steam by opening pot lids with the steam directed away from your body.
BURN CARE If a burn causes the skin to redden or blister, place the body part in cold water and alert the supervisor. Do not use ice as it can cause further damage. Burns can become infected so leave blisters intact. Seek medical attention if: - the burn is more than two-three inches around. - the burn is deep or the skin peels. - the burn becomes infected. http://www.youtube.com/w atch?v=5_1t0ilmock
FIRE SAFETY Fire is a constant danger in the kitchen. Every year kitchens and restaurants are destroyed by fire. Fire needs fuel, oxygen and heat. If one of these ingredients is missing, the fire cannot start. Remove one of these and a fire will dissipate. For example, covering a pan that has caught on fire diminishes the oxygen source. Eventually the fire will go out.
Preventing Kitchen Fires Fires can be prevented if you: properly clean the hood vent system. keep equipment from building up excessive grease. always turn off heat sources when not in use. use proper and undamaged electrical cords. do not smoke on the premises.
Clothing on Fire On rare occasions this may occur. If this happens: STOP where you are. DROP to the floor and cover your face. ROLL on the ground to smother the flames.
Commit to SAFETY Your knowledge, and the application of it, is the most important step in maintaining your safety and the safety of those around you. If you need further clarification, see your instructor or supervisor. Better to be SAFE than sorry!