(FSS) Safe Food Practices for Cooking Outdoors Lesson

Safe Food Practices for Cooking Outdoors

image of grillThe most obvious difference in outdoor cooking is the lack of an easily defined kitchen area. Below are the most common methods of outdoor cooking.

Outdoor cooking elements can be dangerous due to the flammability and proximity to occupants. Fires and flames must be properly extinguished and not left unattended. Wind can carry hot embers, possibly igniting wildfires. For camping, special precautions are required because cooking activities and food storage attract potentially dangerous animals. Food preparation and storage must be located a safe distance from sleeping areas.

Safety Tips for Cooking Outdoors

  1. Be sure that the grill is away from the side of the building and all potential flammable items are far from the grill.
  2. Keep the grill 2 to 3 feet away from wood or vinyl.
  3. Keep grill covered when possible.
  4. Keep fire extinguisher accessible and never leave the grill unattended.

Kitchen Safety

The kitchen is one of the most dangerous places in a home. There are several precautions to take to prevent you from being another kitchen accident statistic. Most importantly, you should know the safety practices and use them!

Avoid:

  • Loose sleeves - loose sleeves can catch on fire or get caught in appliances.
  • Long hair or jewelry - long hair should be tied back and jewelry should be removed to keep it from being caught in machinery and for sanitary reasons.
  • Foodborne illness - be sure to wash your hands often while in the kitchen.

Don't Forget:

  • Keep the handles on pots and pans turned inward and away from traffic.
  • Empty the dishwasher after the dishes have cooled.
  • Wear slip-resistant shoes to prevent falling.
  • When reaching for something on the top shelf, use a stool.

Knives

  • Knives cause more severe injuries than any other hand tool.
  • A dull knife slips more easily than a sharp knife.
  • Always cut away from your body.
  • When a knife starts to fall, let it.

Glasses

  • Store glasses and cups upside down.
  • If a glass breaks in water, drain the water before attempting to clean up any of the glass.
  • If there is broken glass on the floor, use a broom and dust pan to clean it up. Never try to pick it up with bare hands.

Fire Safety in the Kitchen

  • Overloaded circuits can potentially cause fires.
  • Electricity and water do not mix.
  • If there's a fire in your oven, close the door and turn off the heat.
  • If a pan is on fire, turn off the heat and cover the pan tightly; do not try to carry the pan outside.
  • To extinguish a fire, use a fire blanket, fire extinguisher or baking soda. Never use water to put out a grease fire.

The most common injuries in the kitchen include burns, injuries from slips/trips/falls, cuts, strains, and electrical shock. The best way to eliminate or minimize injury in the kitchen is to always follow safety procedures, know what to do in an emergency, and always be on the lookout for potential hazards.

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