Kitchen Safety By Building Development Display Centre

Safety in the kitchen depends part on: Adequate set down bench space adjacent to both sides of the hotplates and at least one side of the wall oven Separating the active area (hotplates / preparation bench / sink) from the passive area (pantry, refrigerator and adjacent bench space) Locating hotplates 300mm from vertical surface, edge, or corner to allow for saucepan handles Cooker / sink relationship Bench Space The choice of cooking appliances will affect the amount of bench space available. For safety and efficiency allow adequate bench space for the following: preparation bench space : 1200 - 1800mm between sink and hotplates set down bench space :   adjacent to refrigerator : 450mm (can include sink drawer) adjacent to wall oven : 450mm adjacent to pantry : 450mm for serving : 300mm for 2 plates; 600mm for 4 plates For safety : 300mm adjacent to both sides of hotplates Recommended Clearances Refrigerator for door swing allow 200mm clear of wall adjacent to door hinge. Wall Oven for elbow clearance when unloading allow 200mm clear of adjacent wall. Ventilation Effective mechanical ventilation provides greater comfort in the kitchen by extracting grease, steam, heat and odours. Duct to open air, not into roof-space. Lighting Adequate lighting should be provided to all work areas. A professional lighting plan is recommended. You should ensure that you are not working in shadow. To maximise natural lighting select smooth surfaces and light colours. General lighting provides overall illumination. Locate switches at all entry points. Task lighting can be applied to main work areas (eg under overhead cupboards use downlights). Storage When planning storage allow for visual and physical access, and location within area of use. Allow for the following: c pantry : 900 mm wide with adjustable shelving for family of 4. Walk-in and corner styles. Shallow shelves (about 300mm) Cupboard with pull-out shelves drawers :  one bank of utility drawers 450-600mm wide. Also for pots and crockery. corners : Bi-fold doors, lazy susan, cupboard accessible from other side. vertical storage : for baking trays and tea towels. Rubbish Locate in sink area, and allow adequate receptacles for recycling and compost. Building Development Display Centre Website