1. Kitchen design What’s wrong with this picture?

2. He can’t see what’s in the pans! Are all chefs the same height? Are people all the same height? Which of these two people is going to get back ache?

3. There are three ways to adjust the height of work surfaces – can you think of them? 1.Adjustable legs on the worktops 2.Use a chopping board on top of the work surface for tall people 3.Use a floor mat to stand on for short people – but it must be non-slip.

4. What else is important? Space: Not just because of the size of some of the workers! How many are working there too? There is a suggested aisle width for kitchens of a minimum 90cm but 120cm is better

5. Lighting You have got to be able to see what you are preparing and cooking!

6. Ventilation Cooking food uses heat – to get rid of some of that heat and make working conditions bearable good ventilation is needed

7. Noise It’s not just people noise or the banging of pans or the use of food processors Reducing low level noise is also important. The constant noise of fridges, freezers and fans

8. So the important factors affecting a kitchen work environment are: 1.Efficient work space – planning and positioning of equipment. 2.Sufficient aisle space – for movement of people. 3.The height of work surfaces. 4.Adequate lighting. 5.Good ventilation to control temperature and humidity. 6.Control of noise levels.