KITCHEN SAFETY RULES: Learn and follow these rules for preventing injuries and food-borne illness.

  1. Do not wear bulky or flowing clothing while cooking. Wear an apron and pull long hair back.
  2. Wash your hands before you start to cook. Wash them frequently as you handle raw food.
  3. When cooking on the range, turn pan handles to the back or side to prevent them from being knocked off the range.
  4. Use thick, dry potholders when handling hot objects. Do not use aprons or kitchen towels to hold hot objects.
  5. When lifting the lid from a pan, tip the lid away from you to allow the steam to escape.
  6. Never leave the kitchen when items are cooking on the stove.
  7. Use a wooden spoon to stir hot mixtures. A metal spoon may get too hot and may burn your hand.
  8. To take a hot dish out of the oven, pull out the oven rack instead of reaching into the oven to lift out the dish.
  9. Use a cutting board when chopping or slicing food. Wash cutting board thoroughly between uses.
  10. Sharp knives should be washed separately, never mixed in with other utensils in the sink. In the dishwasher, point the blade down.
  11. When passing a knife to someone, pass it with the handle pointed up, or toward the person.
  12. If you have a grease fire, smother it with a pan lid or baking soda. Never place water on a grease fire.
  13. Keep water away from appliances or cords. Dry your hands before touching an electric appliance.
  14. When unplugging an electrical appliance, pull on the plug. Never pull or yank the cord.
  15. When using an electric mixer, insert the beaters before putting the plug in the outlet.
  16. Do not let an appliance cord hang off the counter because the appliance may be pulled off.
  17. Do not plug too many electrical appliances into one wall outlet. It may overload and cause a fire.
  18. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it if there is a fire.
  19. Stand on a sturdy stool or chair to reach high items. Do not try to stretch, jump, or climb on counter.
  20. Keep the cabinet doors and drawers closed when not in use.
  21. If you spill something on the counter or floor, wipe it up immediately.
  22. If you break a glass, sweep up the pieces with a broom. Tiny slivers of glass can be wiped up with a damp, folded paper towel. Wrap the broken glass so it won’t cut the person who handles the trash.
  23. Keep foods refrigerated to prevent the growth of bacteria. Many foods should not be left at room temperature for over 2 hours. Heat left-over foods thoroughly to kill bacteria.
  24. Never eat foods from cans that are bulging or leaking.
  25. Do not run or goof off in kitchens or other work areas.
  26. Wear plastic gloves if you have a cut or open sore. A bandage will not protect food from germs!