Welcome to the most important skill! Getting hurt in the kitchen isn’t fun, so before you get too carried away whipping up a super delicious meal, take a moment with an adult to run through my top tips for a tip top kitchen experience!

Kitchen Equipment

• Keep handles of pots and pans facing inward on the stove top.
• Use a dry tea towel or oven mitt to carry pans with hot handles.
• Try to allow pots and pans to cool before moving unnecessarily around the kitchen with them.
• Warn others when you are carrying something hot or dangerous such as a pot of boiling water, frying pan or sharp knife.

Your Body

• Don’t wear loose-fitting clothing.
• Don’t wear dangling jewellery
  or accessories.
• Always wear closed-in shoes, and make sure your laces are tied.
• Always have long hair tied back.

Cleanliness

• Clear the kitchen of all toys and potential trip hazards.
• Clean up food waste and rubbish as you go. A scraps bowl on your
  kitchen bench can help.
• Clean spills immediately. The floor should be dry at all times.
• Clean dishes as you go.

Focus

• Concentrate – just do one thing at a time.
• Music is ok, but turn the TV off.
• Don’t get distracted by other people or things taking place around you.

Food Safety matters too!

• Wipe your kitchen bench with an antibacterial cleaner or warm soapy water before and after cooking.
• Thoroughly wash your hands with hot soapy water before you start cooking.
• Wash your hands regularly throughout the cooking process, especially after touching ‘high risk foods’ like raw meats, poultry and fish.
• Always wear clean clothes and a clean apron. Wash your apron after every use.
• Regularly replace kitchen cloths, tea towels and sponges.
• Never touch your face, mouth, eyes or sneeze into your hand while cooking. If you do, stop cooking and wash your hands immediately.

Attention parents and carers … check out our Ground Rules for Grown-Ups for more safety tips.