List of Personal Protective Equipment in The Kitchen
We imagine that the kitchen involves cooking and cleaning so not much danger is expected but that is not the case. A lot of contamination can take place in the kitchen, which is bad for our health. Accidents, which will require immediate medical attention, may also occur.
It is important to keep ourselves safe in the kitchen because that will save you from spending money seeking treatment. Because safety in the kitchen is vital, a number of protective tools have been invented. Below we look at examples of personal protective equipment in the kitchen;
1. Oven gloves
The materials used in the manufacture of kitchenware are often good conductors of heat. This characteristic makes it almost impossible to handle these cooking tools with bare hands. To counter this, oven gloves and mitts were invented.
Using an oven glove is a perfect way to protect our hands from burns and bruises. Oven gloves are made of thick material that is not prone to tear or burn. As the name suggests they were specifically designed for the oven but can be used when handling any equipment that conducts heat like cooking pots.
We all know how messy the whole process of cooking can get. Food color, soup, cooking oil, vegetable juices, and spices are examples of substances that can severely stain our clothes. Wearing an apron when cooking will protect your clothes from stains that would otherwise make you look untidy.
They were made in such a manner that the cook will be able to move his/her arms freely not restricting their movements. Although most of the time neglected, aprons are just as important as the other protective tools.
Contrary to popular belief, hairnets are not just for people with long hair. Even with short hair, it is advisable to wear a hairnet in case of loose strands that may end up in your food. No reports of complications due to the ingestion of hair have been made but it is dangerous.
Our hair contains staph bacteria which can cause stomach problems like diarrhea. When handling food substances ensure that your hair is not exposed. Not just the hair on your head but also beards should be covered up.
4. Plastic gloves
Cleaning the kitchen entails washing the dishes, mopping the floor, wiping the counter and disposing of trash.
Plastic gloves come in handy during cleaning as they prevent bacteria from accessing our hands. Being made of plastic, they can be used in water and are very easy to clean. Ensure to wash your hands after using these gloves just as an extra protective measure. Do not use them on hot equipment and keep away from fire.
5. Chef shoes
When cooking, sometimes water accidentally pours on the floor, therefore, making it slippery. This is dangerous because slipping and falling become inevitable. It may seem minor but you could break a limb there or suffer fatal head injuries.
A good chef shoe should have a rough sole to decrease friction and ensure maximum stability. Wearing closed shoes is not advised because it gets hot in the kitchen so your feet will literally soak in sweat. The goal is to ensure your safety at the same time making the cooking process comfortable. You can purchase these shoes personally from a store near you and if you are in Australia i recoomend you to check
A lot of accidents can occur in the kitchen of which some are disastrous and others minor. You can never tell when these accidents will occur and of what nature so it is best to take precaution. What I have listed above is but a sample of much more protective equipment for you. Take time to find out more about this for you and your family’s safety. Remember to also share this information with your loved ones to help them from encountering any mishap.