Reducing Risks in the Kitchen with Oven Safety
Cooking with an oven is a time-honored way of making delicious food. However, it comes with inherent risks that must be taken into consideration to keep your family safe. The good news is that there are easy steps you can take to reduce oven-related hazards in your home, and keep your kitchen a safe and happy place.
First and foremost, be sure to keep your oven clean. Grease and other food residue can build up in the oven cavities, and is a potential fire hazard. Keeping the surfaces clean, and particularly the underneath panel, will help reduce the chances of a fire occurring. Be sure to use a non-flammable cleaner, and never leave any cleaning supplies inside the oven.
Second, make sure your oven vents are properly placed and unobstructed. This will help ensure good air flow, and reduce the risk of smoke or fumes building up in the kitchen, which could increase the chance of a fire. You should also inspect your vents periodically to ensure they are all in good condition, with no clogs or blockages.
Third, avoid opening the door of a preheated oven. Opening an already hot oven door can cause a sudden rush of heat to escape, which can pose a burn hazard. If you need to open the oven door, make sure you do so slowly and carefully.
Finally, make sure you are always aware of what’s inside the oven when you are heating it. Do not put any items that could ignite, such as paper towels, inside the oven. Make sure to check your food thoroughly before placing it in the oven, as any containers or other items may melt or warp.
With a few easy steps, and some careful consideration, you can ensure a safe and hazard-free kitchen and home. If, despite taking all the precautions, your oven starts to malfunction, you can count on our directory of appliance repair technicians to help return your oven to its proper working condition.
What Are Common Oven Hazards
Ovens make cooking our favorite meals convenient, however they can be a source of danger if not used properly. Common oven hazards include burn risks, fire risks, electrocution and carbon monoxide poisoning.
How Can I Minimize Burn Risks From Ovens
Burns are a common danger associated with ovens. To minimize burn risks, always use oven mitts or pot holders when handling hot cookware or opening the oven door. Check that the handles on cookware are turned away from the front of the oven. Set a timer to help keep track of cooking times.
How Can I Minimize Fire Risks From Ovens
To reduce fire risks associated with ovens, never leave the oven unattended when in operation and do not preheat the oven unless directed. Keep the oven ventilated. Avoid using grease and never line the bottom of the oven with aluminum foil. Make sure combustible materials are kept away from the range.
What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk of Electrocution From Ovens
To minimize the risk of electrocution, never touch the oven if it is wet or has any food or grease on it. Do not try to repair the oven or tamper with the electrical wiring. Have a certified electrician service the oven if necessary. Be sure not to exceed the electrical capacity of the circuit.
How Can I Reduce My Risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From Ovens
Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a danger with improperly used or malfunctioning ovens. To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure the oven is a certified appliance that is functioning properly. Install a carbon monoxide detector and ensure the kitchen is well ventilated when the oven is in use.
5 Key Takeaways for Reducing Oven Hazards
- Make sure to keep oven surfaces clean, including the underneath panel, to reduce the risk of fire caused by food residue.
- Regularly check that vents are unobstructed, to allow good air flow and reduce the risk of smoke build up.
- Open the door of a preheated oven slowly and carefully to reduce the chance of burns.
- Never put items inside the oven that could ignite such as paper towels.
- Monitor the food present in the oven, as containers or other items may melt or warp.