Cooking Safely

Cooking Safely

• Make sure saucepan handles don't stick out - so they don't get knocked off the stove
• Take care if you're wearing loose clothing - they can easily catch fire
• If your clothes catch on fire, stop, drop and roll
  • Stop what you are doing
  • Drop to the ground
  • Roll to smother the flames
• Keep tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob
• Double check the cooker is off when you've finished cooking
• Avoid leaving children in the kitchen alone when cooking on the hob
• Take care if you need to leave the kitchen whilst cooking, take pans off the heat or turn them down to avoid risk
• Keep the oven, hob and grill clean and in good working order.  A build up of fat and grease can ignite a fire
• Use spark devices to light gas cookers – they are much safer than matches or lighters, as they don’t have a naked flame. They are safer around children, too.
• Check toasters are clean and not placed under kitchen cabinets or close to anything that can catch fire.
• Never put anything metal in the microwave.
• Avoid cooking if you are very tired, have been drinking alcohol, or are taking medication that can make you drowsy.

Deep fat frying

• Take care when cooking with hot oil - it sets alight easily. 
• Never fill a pan more than one third full of fat or oil. 
• Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil so it doesn't splash. 
• If the oil starts to smoke - it's too hot.  Turn off the heat and leave it to cool. 
• Use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer.  They can't overheat.

What to do if a pan catches fire

•  Don't take any risks.  Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so.  Never throw water over it.
•  Don't tackle the fire yourself - Get Out, Stay Out, Call 999.

 Your kitchen electrical appliances

• Essential electrical items such as your fridge and freezer are designed to be left on 24/7 to store food at the right temperature
• Washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers are not designed to be left on overnight or whilst out of the house. Some may have a timer setting but having the appliance on whilst you’re unable to monitor it creates a risk to your kitchen.
• Work top appliances such as your toaster and kettle should never be positioned near anything which could catch light e.g. curtain, kitchen roll or too close to an overhanging cupboard.
• Always use your appliances as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions.