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Cooking can be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience, but it can also be a dangerous one. Common kitchen mishaps like burns, cuts, and slips can cause severe injury or even death. Knives in the kitchen injure 350,000 people annually, and two-thirds of house fires are started in the kitchen. So when it comes to your activities in the kitchen, it's always better to be safe than sorry, and this post looks at how you can avoid common kitchen mishaps.

Keep worktops clear

A cluttered kitchen is a dangerous kitchen. Make sure that you clear away any items that you do not need when you're cooking. This could be anything from pots and pans to ingredients. If items are blocking your view, it can be hard to see what you're doing, which can put you at risk of burns, slips, or other injuries. Only keep out what you need at that time to avoid accidents or contamination and reduce the risk of fire, for example, if cloths are accidentally placed next to open flames due to countertop clutter.

Use the back rings on the hob when cooking.

Most hobs come with 4 burner rings regardless of how it is powered, whether electric or gas. While some will come with larger or smaller rings for the purpose of faster heating or simmering, it is always a good idea to use the back of the hob first unless you need all rings in use. This is because pots and pans will be at the back and away from the kitchen's hustle and bustle, meaning it is less likely they will be knocked off, reducing the risk of spills and burns.

Use heat protection products for hands and surfaces.

Kitchen work surfaces and certain cooking utensils can become incredibly hot if they are placed too close to a flame. This heat can cause burns to your hands and damage your kitchen surfaces. It is essential to use heat protection products to prevent these accidents from occurring. If you have wooden kitchen worktops, they can be damaged by hot pots and pans. To protect your worktops, place a heat-resistant mat or pad underneath them. These mats have a coating that prevents items from transferring too much heat and damaging your worktop.

Have a fire extinguisher handy

The risk of fire in the kitchen is higher than many people realize. This is particularly true when cooking with oil or fat. Cooking sprays and oils are flammable and can easily cause a fire if misused. Cooking sprays can reduce the amount of oil or grease needed to cook a meal, but they must be used correctly. Having a fire extinguisher or fire blanket in your kitchen can help stop or limit the fire until the fire brigade arrives.

Carry out repairs quickly.

Regularly check your kitchen for signs of wear and tear. Using equipment that isn't fit for purpose can lead to mistakes, further repairs, and damage in the kitchen. This means ensuring your cooker and cooking equipment are in full working order, and the plugs are in good condition before plugging them in to use them. It can be keeping drains and garbage disposal clear and calling 24/7 Emergency Plumbing Services if you see a leak from your sink or dishwasher, for example.

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