Safety In The Kitchen

TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK Be sure hands are dry before plugging/unplugging appliances. Hold the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting an appliance. Turn appliances off before unplugging them. Keep electrical cords away from the sink.

TO PREVENT CUTS Cut with the blade pointing away from you. Always use a cutting board. Always use sharp knives, never dull ones. Dull Knives cause more accidents! Hand knives to others by the handle or by setting it down and letting the other person pick it up.

TO PREVENT CUTS Hand wash all sharp knives, but never put a sharp knife into soapy water where it can not be seen! Carry knives with the blades pointed down. Pay ATTENTION!!! No playing around. Never try to catch a falling knife. Store knives separately. Use the right knife for the right job!

TO PREVENT BURNS Turn pan handles in toward the middle of the stove. (But not over other pots or burners) Always use pot holders (never a hand towel) when removing hot items from the oven, stove or microwave. Lift lids from pots so they open away from you. Do not lean down and look into the oven as you open it. Do not use metal spoons for stirring hot liquids on the stovetop.

The #1 leading injury in the kitchen… BURNS.

TO PREVENT OTHER INJURIES Close drawers and cabinet doors immediately after use. Wipe up all spills as soon as they occur. Avoid wearing loose clothing on lab days. Never stand on chairs to reach into a high cabinet. Use a step stool.

TO STOP FIRES Electrical: Smother with flour On top of the stove: Put pot/pan lid on if possible, then turn off the heat. OR Smother with baking soda or flour. Grease fire: Never use water! (see above) Paper and cloth: Use water (only if AWAY from stove area)

FIRE CONTINUED… If a fire occurs, notify the teacher immediately. Do not try to put it out yourself. Keep dish cloths, dish towels, paper towels, and recipe sheets away from a hot stove.

TO PREVENT ILLNESS Wash hands, utensils and preparation area thoroughly. Everything in the kitchens must be left CLEAN and DRY ! And always use clean cloths to wash dishes!! Do not lick your fingers while preparing food. Thaw foods in the refrigerator, microwave, under running water or in a bowl of water… BUT never leave it out on the counter!! Cook foods thoroughly before consuming; especially meat and eggs.

TO PREVENT ILLNESS When Buying Food at the Grocery Store: Use the Food Safety Check List Date (best by, expiration) Color & Smell (Could even consider texture) Refrigerated items should feel cold Frozen items should feel solid Buy dent/damage free items AT HOME RULE: When in doubt THROW it out!!

SPECIAL INFORMATION Gas Stoves/Ovens: -No flammable liquids sprayed on/near -Keep air vents turned on!! Appliances: -NEVER put fingers, utensils, or anything else into the moving parts!!!!!

MRS. EVANS’ KITCHEN RULES Do not alter recipe without permission. Long hair must be tied back. Shoes that cover the foot entirely must be worn for labs. No sitting on the counters, if I can stand for 3 blocks you can stand for one! Everyone must cooperate with their kitchen group. Do not get in the refrigerators or freezers without permission!!

MRS. EVANS’ RULES CONTINUED… Use spray cleaner to clean all countertops and surfaces. Everyone must take turns cleaning. No one in the group leaves until Mrs. Evans checks out the kitchen and says the group can go!!! EVEN THE SENIORS!!!