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Watch for superheated water

Superheated water refers to water heated without signs of boiling. When water gets superheated in the microwave oven, any slight movement or disturbance can cause the water to explode out of the cup, leading to severe injuries. To reduce the risk of this dangerous phenomenon, add ingredients such as sugar or any instant mix before heating the water.

Treat your kitchen gently

Cooking a feast? Remember to place heavy pots and pans gently on your hob, especially if it comes with a tempered glass base. Also known as toughened glass, it can shatter if improperly handled. Cycles of heating and cooling during cooking cause expansion and contraction of hairline cracks or even minor scratches. Also, refrain from placing extra unused pots and pans directly on the glass surface – use a trivet instead. Covering the glass top with aluminium foil can also cause damage as it prevents the heat from dissipating.

Practise safe dishwasher habits

For busy families, the dishwasher is a lifesaver. Dishwashers use steam to remove stubborn food scraps and leave your dishes sparkling clean. However, the steam can cause injuries as serious as those caused by open flames from the oven, especially if the dishwasher is opened mid-cycle. Also, be mindful when washing knives and other sharp tools as they may lead to injury during unloading. Overloading your dishwasher can also cause breakage of tableware.

Other safety tips

1 Kids might run in while you are cooking. Or you might make a sudden turn to attend to something. To prevent spills and scalds, keep pot handles inwards away from the edge when cooking on the hob.

2 When cooking on a gas hob, avoid wearing loose clothes and go for fitting clothes instead. If you have long hair, be sure to tie up your hair, which helps in food safety and hygiene too.

3 Always wipe spills on the floor immediately to prevent slippage and falls.

4 Never cut anything in your hand. Use a chopping board when handling knives, and make sure surfaces are dry and non-slip.