Chapter 9 Safety in the Kitchen 141 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. serious. If the following rules are used, burns can be prevented: • Never use a damp or wet towel as a hot pad. • Be sure that a hot pad is sufficiently thick to properly protect your hand from a hot pan. • Never place a hot pan at a dishwashing station without alerting the dishwashing staff. • When carrying a hot pan or liquid through the kitchen, loudly warn others by saying “HOT!” • Never attempt to move anything hot that you cannot comfortably carry or lift. • Avoid contact with steam when opening the door of a steamer or lifting the lid off a pot of boiling liquid. Steam burns quickly and seriously. Burns are some of the most painful injuries. If a burn causes the skin to redden or blister, place the burned part of the body in cold water, 9-6. The cold water stops the burning process. Alert a supervisor. Do not place in ice water. Ice can damage injured skin. After 10 to 15 minutes, remove the injured area from the water, dry gently, and cover loosely with a bandage. Burns can become infected. Burns must be treated properly to avoid infection. Leave blisters intact. Do not apply creams, butters, or other ointments to a burn. Seek medical attention in the following circumstances: • The burn is larger than two to three inches in diameter. • The burn is deep or the skin peels. • The burn becomes infected. Heat Exhaustion Kitchens are famous for being hot and the work fast paced. This combination can lead to heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is a heat-related condition that results when the body loses too much water and salt. Drinking plenty of water is the first step in preventing heat exhaustion. If a person is experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, have him or her rest in a cool location. Seek emergency medical help if needed. Always alert a supervisor. Serious heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke. Heatstroke is a more severe heat-related condition in which the body’s usual ability to deal with heat stress is lost. Heatstroke is potentially life threatening and requires immediate medical attention. If heatstroke symptoms occur, move person into a cool location and seek medical atten- tion immediately, 9-7. Cool the person by spraying with cool water or fanning. Draz-Koetke/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher 9-6 Minor burns should be placed in cold water immediately. Signs and Symptoms Heat Exhaustion Heatstroke • muscle cramping • lack of sweat • dizziness • unusual tiredness • nausea • vomiting • fainting • irritability, confusion, or unconsciousness • fainting • very hot skin • lack of sweat • rapid, shallow breathing • fast pulse • dilated pupils 9-7 Be familiar with the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.