Keeping Your Kitchen Safe

     Kitchen safety can be enhanced by wise selection of cooking utensils, by carefully following manufacturer's instructions when using kitchen equipment, and generally by following good housekeeping practices. Pans with broken or missing handles and knobs should be repaired or replaced: they can cause bums or accidental dropping. For the most part, replacement parts can be obtained from the manufacturer. Warped or dented metal pans do not use heat efficiently and may develop hot spots that can burn foods. Chipped or cracked glass or glass ceramic cookware should be discarded.

     When using pressure cookers and all electric appliances, follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly. Read the instructions whenever you are not sure of a procedure.

     Additional aids are:

• Utensils that are durable enough to withstand normal cooking use.



• Cookware fitted with handles strong enough to support the weight of the utensil when filled. If handles are not integral to the vessel, they should be securely attached so as not to wobble or rotate upon use.



• Ovenware items with handle grips that make pans easy to manipulate when putting them into the oven or removing them.



• Flame guards on handles that help protect them from top-of-range heat.



• Well-designed handles that are balanced with the weight of the pans to prevent tipping.



• Covers that fit snugly so as not to fall off when moving the utensil. However, covers should never be so light that force is necessary to remove them.