Kitchen safety

Water and electricity can be a dangerous recipe; here are some tips to make sure the wrong things don’t get cooked.

What should you do?

• We recommend your sockets and switches are fitted a safe distance from the sink (at least 30 centimetres horizontally).
• We recommend that sockets under worktops, where fitted washing machines, dishwashers and fridges are plugged in, be installed with fused switches. These should be above the worktop to make your appliances easy to turn on and off.
• We recommend any socket that is likely to have DIY equipment, a lawnmower, an outdoor light or anything else portable, is protected  by an RCD. Under the new national safety standard, this life-saving device that protects against electric shock, should now protect all sockets in any new home or any new sockets added to your existing home.

Do:

• Take special care when using any kitchen appliance – the mixture of water, hot surfaces, flexible cables and electricity can be very dangerous.
• Check that flexible leads and appliances such as kettles and toasters are in good condition.

Don't:

• Use any electrical equipment or switches with wet hands.
• Wrap cables around equipment (such as a kettle) when it is still warm.
• Clean an appliance while it is still plugged in.
• Fill a kettle or steam iron while plugged in.
• Try to get the bread that is stuck out of a toaster while it is still plugged in especially with a metal knife as there are often live parts inside.