Gas is a fast and efficient way to cook.
Gas cookers and clearances
It is important your kitchen complies with certain safety standards. Gas cookers and hotplates must have adequate clearance from combustible surfaces, for example:
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Range-hoods must be at least 600mm above the cooking appliance
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Exhaust fans must be 750mm above the appliance
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Burners must have clearances of 200mm, unless the nearby wall or surface is suitably protected
Cooking with fats and oils
When cooking, be especially careful when cooking with fats and oils. Never leave cooking unattended even for a few moments – it is one of the most common and preventable causes of domestic fires, with over 30 per cent of Victorian house fires starting in the kitchen or cooking area.
Fats and cooking oils will ignite once they have reached a certain temperature.
Never use water to put out fat and oil fires. Water can cause a fire to spread rapidly and inflict horrific burns. If a fire starts, turn off the stove or cover the flame with the pot lid if it is safe to do so. Then use an appropriate fire extinguisher, such as a wet chemical extinguisher, or fire blanket to smother the flames.
Many people fail to realise the potential severity of scald burns. Extensive scald injuries can be life threatening, especially in young people and the elderly. Most scald injuries that occur in the home are easily preventable.
Tips on cooking safely
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Never leave cooking unattended
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Never get distracted. If you are called away, turn off the gas
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Never allow a child to cook without adult supervision
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Turn pot handles away from the stove edge
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Keep stoves and cook tops free of grease and fat build-up
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Hang tea-towels and oven mitts away from the stove
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Wear tight-fitting sleeves when cooking
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Ensure the exhaust fan above the stove is clean and free of grease and fat build-up
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Have a fire blanket and extinguisher in the kitchen
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Ensure smoke alarms are working
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Have a fire escape plan in place
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Feeling cold? Do not use cooking appliances as heaters. They are not designed for this purpose
When cooking with gas, make sure the flame does not go out. Gas can escape silently and invisibly.
