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Sometimes, it’s the very appliances that we use every day that can pose the biggest dangers for us and our loved ones. So in this article, we are looking at 7 safety tips for using electrical kitchen appliances.
Even if we are used to using an appliance and are completely comfortable with it, it is essential to remember to follow the general safety regulations to ensure that we and the ones that we love are as safe as possible around them.
Often, it is when we have gotten too familiar with an appliance that we get this false sense of confidence and allow ourselves to do things that we normally shouldn’t. Sadly, it’s in those moments that terrible accidents can happen, which is why it is always important to remember that any kitchen appliance can be dangerous if improperly used.
So, what are the general safety rules for using electrical appliances in the kitchen?
When Using Electrical Kitchen Appliances – Don’t Use Extension Cables for Bigger Appliances
One of the biggest and most important safety rules for using electrical appliances in your kitchen is never to plug bigger appliances into an extension cable.
Whether it is your oven, your cooker, your fridge, or more, they need to be plugged into the house’s power sockets directly. By using an extension cable, you run a high risk of causing a shortage and even a fire.
Don’t Use Extension Cables For Too Long
Generally speaking, it is never good to use extension cables for too long. Even if you only have small appliances plugged into them, remember to unplug them regularly and to change the extension cable every so often.
Extension cables can grow old relatively quickly, and if they are being overused or overpowered, then they too can break or spark, potentially causing fires.
Always Use Plugs with Dry Hands
Although this is a lesson that we all learn when we are children, it can also be a lesson that is quite easy to forget and ignore. However, the rule remains just as important today. You should never use plugs, be it to turn them off or on, or to plug in or unplug something, with wet hands.
You can very easily electrocute yourself in that way, potentially fatally. It is so easy to use a dry cloth or some kitchen roll and dry your hands before using them. In fact, it is a good idea to only use clean hands when you touch plugs. Even if the things on your hand are not that wet, having pieces of food or other debris on your hands as you use the plugs could damage them.
Never Leave an Appliance on and Unattended
You should never leave an appliance on and unattended. Things can evolve quickly in the kitchen, and if you are not watching them directly, you yourself can easily get distracted and forget about them.
Sadly, by the time you have returned, all sorts of things could have gone wrong, and people could easily get hurt. The only appliance that can be left on a low heat alone is a slow cooker, and even then, you will need to ensure that you follow all of the safety guidelines before leaving it alone.
Always Unplug a Toaster Before you Try to Get Something Out of It!
We all get things stuck in our toasters, and it isn’t a big issue. However, trying to get the things out of the toaster can be. For one thing, you should never try to retrieve anything from your toaster while it is still plugged in. You can easily electrocute and, at the very least, burn yourself if the toaster is still live.
Then, it is essential to remember to not use anything sharp or metallic to remove whatever is in the toaster. You can easily damage the appliance, which could make it dangerous to use when you do finally plug it back in.
Always let your oven, hob, and microwave cool down before trying to clean them
Again, it may seem a little obvious, but when you are short for time or eager to clean, it can be easy to assume that it is OK to clean the oven, hob or microwave straight after using them. However, not only do you risk burning yourself, but you also risk damaging the appliances and any cleaning tools and products that you might use. Simply wait for the appliances to cool down completely before trying to clean them.
Don’t Let Any Cords Touch a Kettle
You should never let any electrical cords touch the side of a kettle or any appliance that heats up. Even on the outside, they can become boiling hot, potentially burning any cords that touch them.
Once a cable has been burned, even if it is just the outer layer, they are unsafe to use and should be disposed of accordingly. Simply ensure that nothing is touching the outer layers of any of your kitchen appliances that heat up before you turn them on – think about hiding them away when not in use.
Take Your Kettle Off of its Base Before You Fill It
If any water lands on the base, it could fuse the kettle and cause some serious damage. Even if they are relatively small appliances, they are powerful and should not be treated without the utmost care.
Take your kettle off its base and fill up from the tap directly – this way, there’s no chance of water getting anywhere near the electrics.
Conclusion
Some small electrical kitchen appliances safety rules can seem a little silly and obvious – however, they are in place for a reason. None of us is above messing up in the kitchen, and mistakes do happen. However, when it involves our own safety and that of those around us, it is essential to remind ourselves of the safety rules when needed.
Of course, this list is by no means exhaustive – so make sure to read all of the operational tips in your manuals and guides before using any kitchen appliances.
