SAFETY FIRST - RULES FOR THE FOOD LAB
1. Always pick up a knife by its handle. To give a knife to another person, place it on the
counter so the other person can pick it up safely. Cut away from yourself and others.
2. Transport knives pointed toward the floor. If a knife starts to fall, do not try to catch it.
3. Use dry, clean pot holders or oven mitts when cooking. Pull out the oven rack when placing
food in or removing food from a hot oven.
4. Dull knives are dangerous to use. Keep knives sharp so less pressure is needed.
5. Report any fire or accident to the teacher immediately.
6. Avoid loose clothing and long sleeves that could easily catch fire. Wear closed-toed shoes.
7. Tie back long hair. Keep hair away from face and shoulders.
8. Follow food safety and sanitation procedures to prevent food-borne illness.
9. Wash knives one by one and separate them from the other dishes. Do not soak in sudsy water.
10. Keep flammables such as paper, plastics, pot holders, aerosol sprays, and oils away from a
hot burner. Burning plastics give off a toxic smoke.
11. Know where the fire extinguisher and fire blanket are stored and how to use them.
Remember to” PASS” with the fire extinguisher and “Stop, Drop, and Roll” with the blanket.
12. Turn off range, both surface burners and oven, when finished cooking.
13. Hot foods should be stirred with a wooden or heat resistant spoon.
14. Do not allow handles to extend over the edge of the stove or another burner. Tighten loose
handles with a screwdriver, not a knife.
15. Use a can opener that leaves a smooth edge. Cut off lids completely and dispose of them safely.
16. Lift the lid of a hot pan with steam directed away from yourself and others.
17. Use a cutting board to protect counters and to prevent food from slipping.
18. Purchase small appliances with the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) safety label.
19. Check the small appliance manufacturer’s use and care book for any safety precautions.
20. Store knives in a separate drawer or slotted rack to prevent cuts.
21. Do not reach across an empty hot surface burner.
22. Follow the teacher’s instruction for fire drills. Remove all foods from the burners or oven
and turn off all appliances.
23. If glass should break, clean up the large pieces with a broom and dust pan. Use a wet paper
towel to clean up small pieces of glass. Dispose of broken glass separately from other trash.
24. Keep cabinet doors and drawers closed.
25. If a glass breaks in a filled sink, never reach in while there is water. Drain water and use a cloth or
towel to pick up the glass after water has drained.
26. Keep appliances clean and free of grease. Grease catches fire easily.
27. When loading the dishwasher, place utensils with sharp points down.
28. Do not stand on a wet floor when using electricity. Dry hands prevent shocks. Do not
overload outlets. When disconnecting a plug from an outlet, pull by the plug not the cord.
29. Store cleaning products in the original containers. Never mix products. Use sprays in well-
ventilated areas and pointed away from yourself and others.
30. Settle differences through discussion. Fighting, pushing, and horseplay are dangerous.
