Tips for making a kitchen safe

We probably all made jokes in our youth whenever our parents warned us against playing with knives, but unfortunately (though we may be loathe to admit) our parents had a (sharp) point, as most accidents do happen in the household. In fact, a great many of those accidents occur in unsafe kitchens. So how can you make your kitchen (and your family) safer? Kitchen Improvements digs out the guidebook.

Round those sharp bench top edges

If you have kids, chances are your kitchen bench top is at their head height, and it's only a matter of time before the two will meet. Timber bench tops are great because you have the option of choosing a rounded edge. If you don't have the option of a round-edged bench top, and you don't fancy finding novel ways to cushion the corners and edges (for fear of ruining the aesthetics), it's a wise move to warn children about the dangers of running in the kitchen.

Electricity and water don't mix

Power points are best left to areas of the kitchen that least come into contact with water. This ensures that kitchen appliances will not be near a sink full of water. Also, make sure that power points are close to where appliances will be so that cords don't become tangled.

Keeping kitchen floors safe

When it comes to keeping kitchen floors safe, non-slip flooring is the best option. Some tiles can be very slippery and are not recommended for busy areas of the house, especially if they get wet regularly. Timber floors or non-slip tiles are both safe and hygienic options.

Avoid traffic jams

If you are designing your kitchen for a new house, try to avoid making it an area that people have to walk through to get from one part of the house to another. Taking this action will significantly reduce the chance of collisions with hot or sharp objects.

Kitchen stoves and flammable objects

Don't put any flammable materials (or materials that can potentially burn) near the kitchen stove - this includes hanging aprons, oven mitts and tea towels. It's also a good idea not to hang curtains anywhere near the area you cook.

Don't play with sharp knives

The most important discipline in a safe kitchen is keeping sharp objects, such as knives, in their place at all times. Be wary of positioning of knife racks or knife draws and ensure that children do not have access under any circumstances. This also applies to kitchen cleaning products containing chemicals - be aware that cupboards under sinks are often the most dangerous area of any kitchen. If cleaning products must be placed in this area be sure that cupboards are both lockable and kept locked at all times.

Keeping a kitchen safe for family use is on the whole a fairly simple task but it requires vigilance and common sense. Consider the dangers outlined in this article and try to ensure that your kitchen is free of these risks. It's a good idea to consider all areas of your kitchen specifically as well to ensure that you have truly covered all bases. Given the kitchen's potential as a household's most hazardous room, the need to address safety issues really cannot be overstated.