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Show Kitchen Kanks Km Accident Center The kitchen could have a high accident potential warns the Utah Safety Council, a state chapter of the National safety Council Leo H. Harlow, president of the Utah Safety Council, says the kitchen has a high accident potential hecause it's the work center of the home. "It's the place where fire and hot liquids are handled most often and where sharp cutting instruments, many gas and electrical appliances, potentially poisonous and flammable cleaning agents are kept." Barlow points out. But, the kitchen is a room so much a center of family life that familiarity has bred contempt of its dangers, he cautioned, made safe with only three essentials: Safe planning, safe equipment and safe habits. Plan your home with adequate wiring and place electric outlets near the points of appliance use, to eliminate the danger of tripping over cords, instructs Barlow-Arrange doors to swing so as not to obstruct traffic. Keep window curtains and towel racks away from sources of heat to prevent fires Provide a special high or locked closet for lye. bleaches, metal cleaners and polishers and other cleaning compounds that may be hazardous to children Round off sharp corners on counters or tables, a cause of painful bruises and even serious accidents, he said Select only appliance's that carry U. L or A G. A labels I nnk for saf" ? features, such as signal lights, safety releases and solid construction Good light, especially on stairs and in closets, is important to safety Make sure all appliances are installed properly Have them inspected periodically by a qualified repairman, he explained Keep the sharpest knives in a rack above the reach of children. Use a step stool to climb, rather than chairs or pulled-out drawers. Select pots and pans that are well-balanced, have heat-resistant handles with a comfortable grip, tight fitting lids and no-drip spouts for pouring hot liquids Safe habits. Barlow says, include: wiping up spills on the floor, wearing sensible shoes and appropriate clothing that has no long, loose sleeves, reading the manufacturer's instructions before using appliances This includes the re-use of equipment, particularly equipment that is used frequently. Rearl the labels on cleaning compounds and heed cautions regarding the use and storage of these products, he advised. Handle electrical appliances with dry hands, replace worn electrical cords and use equipment and appliances only as directed by the manufacturer's literature. Keep food and non-edible products on separate shelves. Replace caps securely on cleaning compounds and return them to a safe c'.orage area im mediately after using. |