Sharp Objects
The number of sharp objects found in the kitchen seems endless.They include not only knives; forks; and kitchen shears; but also mandolines; pantry cutters; pizza wheels; the blades of blenders, garbage disposals, and food processors; skewers; and those corn-shaped picks that hold corn on the cob. The shards of dropped plates and glasses are a serious danger to bare feet. A lid from a freshly opened can could deliver a nasty cut. Even the edges of a counter can be sharp.
Mitigate the risk of injury by putting sharp things back in their place when they’re not in use and never letting younger children handle them without supervision. Children and adults should know the proper way to handle sharp objects, according to Plan to Eat. You should also make sure that broken glass or ceramics should be swept up and never handled.
Hot Surfaces
Injuries caused by heat aren’t just limited to putting a hand on a hot stove burner, a hot oven grill or a hot pot or pan. Grease fires can shoot up in an instant. In some homes, the water that comes from the hot water faucet can cause injuries. According to GBW.Law, coffee makers contain scalding hot liquids that can result in life-altering injuries if spilled.
To lower the risk of injuries caused by heat, turn the handles of pots and pans inward so they aren’t bumped into or grabbed by curious children. If a pot or pan comes out of the oven, leave a dish towel on the handle or the lid to indicate that it’s hot. Don’t allow anything flammable near a heat source.
Hazardous Materials
Some cleansers kept in the kitchen are especially dangerous because they smell good to children and pets. One way to lower the risk of hazardous materials according to My Rolling Hills Farm is to keep them in a separate cabinet away from any food or cooking equipment and to put a lock on the cabinet doors where they’re kept. They must always be kept in their original container or in a container that’s clearly marked.
The kitchen can be a scary place, but it shouldn’t be. Things that cut and slice, poison, and burn are everywhere. But a few simple precautions can make sure the kitchen remains the warm and welcoming place it was meant to be.
A great part of an inviting kitchen is new appliances. Check out our selection of cooking appliances today!
