Many people, both young and young-at-heart, enjoy spending time in the kitchen. While some have been cooking all their lives, others are taking the interest in creating mouth-watering dishes. And it is amazing how kids as young as 6 are taking interest in honing their kitchen skills.
The kitchen is where LPG is largely used, may it be residential or commercial. Almost all Aussie households choose gas since it is one of the most cost and energy-efficient fuel sources they can rely on.
Although LPG bottles are processed with user safety in mind, always remember that gas is combustible. So, it helps to ensure that your kitchen is safe at all times, especially when you have kids in the house.
8 Kitchen Safety Measures When Using LPG
Whether you are preparing your daily meals or perhaps experimenting with a new recipe, kitchen safety should be your priority.
Here are 8 safety measures that you may need to observe when cooking with gas:
1. Check for Leaks
LPG manufacturers use an additive to make it smell as a leakage warning. So, before switching on your burner, try to smell if there is an odd smell, seemingly like a rotten egg, near your stove and gas bottle.
You can also use a soap solution to check for leaks. It helps if you do this regularly. Simply add a good amount of liquid soap to a cup of water. After mixing, apply the solution to the body and the attached appliances of the gas bottle. This should include the connectors, pipes and valves.
The gaseous properties of LPG will cause bubbles to form when there is a leak. When you’ve detected any leak, turn off the valve and call your gas provider for immediate help.
2. Check if Your Gas Bottle is Upright
After checking for leaks and before cooking, make sure that your gas bottle is standing upright on sturdy ground. It is best to store your gas bottles properly and away from the burners.
3. Make Sure Your Kitchen is Properly Ventilated
Most modern kitchens are equipped with ventilation systems. However, if you do not have one, make sure that your windows are open before cooking.
4. Use Clean Pots and Pans
Well, for one, clean pots and pans create good food. And two, it promotes efficient use of gas. It also helps prevent untoward kitchen accidents. Make sure that the bottom of your pots and pans are free from dirt or oil to avoid burning.
Here’s an added tip: Use the right size of pot or pan, especially when cooking soups or sauces to prevent spillage.
5. Remove Combustibles Near the Burner
Create a clearance around your stovetop, let’s say about 20 to 30 centimetres from the edge. Keep dry ingredients, plastic containers and other combustibles away from the burner to ensure safety.
Remember not to leave potholders or oven mitts near the burners, too. Even if you are in a rush, be mindful of your safety. It also helps to use a cotton or fire-resistant apron, not just to prevent splatters on your clothes but to ensure that your clothes don’t catch fire when cooking.
When using oil sprays, make sure to follow the instructions and the safety precautions on the label. The same is true when using cooking wines as these are combustibles as well.
6. Never Leave Your Kitchen Unattended
When you feel like it’s taking forever to boil the soup, think of something else to do in the kitchen but NEVER leave it unattended. This way you can prevent spillage from happening and you can also avoid the food from burning.
7. Clean your Stovetop Every After Use
Whether or not there was a spillage when you were cooking, make sure to clean your stovetop. Follow the safety precautions included in your stovetop’s user manual when cleaning burners.
Using a clean stovetop and burners does not just prevent burning the bottom of your pots and pans but also ensures delectable, not over-cooked food. Besides, who would want to cook on a dirty stovetop?
8. Always Turn Off the Valve After Use
After cooking, make sure to turn off the valve. Remember that LPG bottles are pressurised containers that hold combustible gas. The valve makes the gas pass from the bottle to your burners, hence, should be contained when not in use. It also helps to check if the valve is tightly attached to prevent leaks from happening.
These are just 8 useful tips to ensure safety before, during and after cooking. But to ensure that you are safe when cooking, remember to buy your cooking gas from a reputable LPG supplier. You should also make sure that the bottle is sealed with its safety cap, plus the indicated testing date is not past or nearing the due date.
Nothing is more important when cooking food than your safety. Contact Plus Gas for a reliable gas supply!
