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 always 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 in the kitchen

– Help to prevent accidents

– Know what to do if an accident occurs

– Know who to contact in case of 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 also plays a specific role in keeping its wearer safe.

Chef Jacket & Pants• The jacket is designed with long sleeves to

protect the cooks arms from steam, splatters, and heat.

• The double breasted design protects the chefs chest from heat while standing in front of a hot stove or oven.

• Long pants should always be worn in the kitchen to protect the legs from burns.

Aprons &

Headwear• Professional chefs should always wear a chef

hat or other headwear. This not only keeps hair and sweat out of the face while cooking, 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, and will help to prevent slips and falls.

• Jewelry shouldn’t be worn in the kitchen. It can get caught on equipment and cause injury or can fall into food and become a physical hazard.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uPYHDwVwzU

KITCHEN

INJURIESFIRST 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

• While most kitchen injuries are minorit is important to be prepared. All kitchens should have a properly stocked first aid kit and employees should know where to locate it.

CUTS• When working with knives, there will unfortunately be cuts. 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.

• These steps will help to prevent falls:– Quickly clean up spills and display wet

floor sign

– Clean greasy floors right away

– Keep floors and walkways clear of obstruction

– Never run in the kitchen

– Wear shoes with nonslip soles

BURNS• Most burns are minor, but they can be very

serious and very painful. Burns can be prevented best if you:– Never use a damp or wet towel as a hot pad

– Use thick hot pad

– Never place hot dishes or pans in the dishwashing station without altering dish staff

– When carrying hot pans through kitchen let those around you know by saying “Hot!” or “Hot Behind!”

– Avoid contact with steam; open pot tops away from yourself

BURN CARESeek Medical Attention if:

- The burn is larger than two to three inches around

- The burn is deep or skin peels

- The burn becomes infected

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_1T0iLmOck

• 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 damage injured skin. As burns can become infected leave blisters intact.

FIRE SAFETY• Fire is a constant danger in the

kitchen. Kitchens and restaurants are destroyed by fire every year.

• 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 go out.

• For example: Covering a pan that has caught on fire removes the oxygensource and 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 property

Clothing on Fire• It is a very rare

occurrence, but also a very serious one. If this happen to you or someone you know:

– 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 ever have any doubts, or need further clarification; see your instructor or supervisor.

• It is always better to be SAFE than sorry.