April 2008

Safety share

Kitchen fires

In the case of a kitchen fire, remember that water will not put out fat or oil fires. Putting water on this type of fire can actually cause it to spread more rapidly. Kitchen fires, should they occur, can be controlled by:

• Turning off the heat source either on the stove or at the fuse box

• Sliding a lid over the pan if cooking oil catches fire, or using a fire blanket to smother the flames, then turning the burner off

• Waiting for the pan to cool before removing the lid or fire blanket - the fire will re-ignite if the oil is still hot

• Avoiding carrying a burning pot to prevent burn injuries

• Checking tea towels and curtains are not too close to the stove-top

• Keeping the stove clean and clear of grease

• Installing a stove guard to keep inquisitive fingers away

• Keeping fire extinguishers and fire blankets near the entrance of the kitchen

• Familiarising yourself with how to operate a portable fire extinguisher once purchased