Kitchen Safety Rules

Kitchen Safety must be practiced for the protection of all students. These rules are to prevent accidents from cuts, falls, or shocks. Sanitation rules are necessary to prevent the spread of germs and bactera.

• Report all accidents to the teacher immediately.
• Loose or bulky clothing will not permitted while cooking. A clean apron must be worn, hair tied back, and no open shoes.
• Wash your hands before cooking. See Hand Washing Guide for complete instructions.
• Do not lick the bowl, spoon, or your fingers. Ingredients must not be eaten prior to preparing the recipe.
• Measure ingredients accurately.
• Keep the counter surface next to the range clean and cleared off.
• Pan handles must be turned to the back or side of the burners.
• Use DRY, clean, thick, oven mitts when handling hot objects. Don't use towels, aprons, or paper products. Use an oven mitt when removing food from a microwave.
• Open pan lid away from you to prevent a steam burn.
• Never leave you kitchen unattended while cooking.
• Set the timer for the least amount of time recommended in the recipe.
• Use a wooden spoon to stir hot mixtures.
• Always use an oven mitt, pull the oven door all the way down, and pull the rack out when placing a pan in the oven or taking it out.
• When using a knife cut away from yourself and use a clean cutting surface.
• Dishes must be washed in hot soapy water. Knives and other sharp utensils need to be washed separately.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it. (PASS method)
• Never place water on a grease fire. Smother it with a pan lid or baking soda.
• Dry hands before touching electrical appliances or power cords.
• Grasp the plug rather then the cord when removing the plug from the outlet. Hold the plug formly and pull gently.
• When using a blender, be sure it is unplugged and OFF when adding ingredients. Secure the lid before plugging it into the outlet and before turning it on. Always unplug the blender when not in use.
• Keep electical cords out of water and from hanging off the counter.
• Don't plug too many appliances into one outlet.
• Do not climb to reach an item. Use a sturdy step stool or ladder.
• Keep kitchen doors and drawers closed.
• Wipe up spills from the counter or floor immediately with a paper towel.
• Caution must be used when cleaning up glass. Tiny slivers of glass can be wiped up with a damp folded paper towel. Broken glass must be placed in a brown paper bag to avoid further injury.
• Keep cold foods cold refrigerated (below 40 degrees), hot foods hot (above 140 degrees). Don't leave food at room temperature for more than two hours.
• To avoid attracting pests keep the kitchen as clean as possible.
• Wash the lid of cans before opening. Never use a can that is dented, bulging, leaking or out of date.