Every commercial kitchen needs to have a set procedure for handling cooking oil to ensure employee safety. Taking shortcuts when it comes to cooking oil can be extremely dangerous. The cooking oil in deep fryers can reach up to 600 degrees F and can result in severe third-degree burns. Even when the oil is not hot, spills can increase the risk of slips and falls leading to serious injuries. If you run or work in a commercial kitchen, follow these best practices to ensure cooking oil safety in the kitchen.
Use Proper Safety Attire
It is essential to exercise caution when handling hot cooking oil, as it can cause severe burns if it touches your skin. When emptying or refilling frying oil, or discarding used cooking oil, it is important to wear protective gear that covers your entire body and does not leave any skin exposed. Your safety attire should include the following:
- Gloves: Wear gloves that are heat resistant and extend beyond your wrist to protect against splashing oil.
- Mask: Wearing a full mask will protect your face from splashes from the oil.
- Full-body apron: Wear a full-body apron made from heat-resistant heavy rubber to protect your upper and lower body.
- Closed-toe shoes: You can reduce your risk of falls and burns by wearing closed-toe shoes or work boots with heavy treaded soles.
Safety Tips for Handling Cooking Oil
Because mishandling cooking oil can lead to severe burns and other injuries, it’s critical for anyone handling cooking oil to always follow these safety tips:
- Follow manufacturer instructions: You must read and follow the recommendations from the manufacturer on all equipment when refilling, filtering, storing, or disposing of cooking oil.
- Never handle hot cooking oil: Cooking oil can be as hot as 600 degrees F, which can cause third-degree burns. Do not handle hot cooking oil.
- Wait for cooking oil to cool: You should never handle used cooking oil until it has cooled. The oil can still be hot after being cooled, so use caution and avoid direct contact.
- Wear the proper attire: You should always wear safety attire when handling cooking oil, which includes a face mask, gloves, closed-toe shoes, and a full-body apron.
- Clean oil spills right away: Clean oil spills immediately to prevent slips, burns, and odors. The most effective way to clean up spilled cooking oil is with cat litter, absorbent towels, or Oil-Dri.
- Talk to your co-workers: Make sure your co-workers know when you are refilling or transporting cooking oil so they can react appropriately.
- Keep safety equipment on hand: There should always be fire extinguishers and oil transport devices nearby for your safety.
- Be ready to provide first aid: If an accident should happen, everyone on your staff should know how to provide first aid for burns and immediately call 911.
Ensure Cooking Oil Safety
Anyone working in a commercial kitchen that deals with fryer oil must be well-versed with the safety tips mentioned above. By adhering to these safety measures every time the cooking oil is handled, the risk of spills and injuries can be significantly reduced. Contact SeQuential today if you’re ready to learn more about recycled used cooking oil. We provide every customer with a FREE collection container and regular pickups that accommodate your busy schedule, and you’ll feel good about turning restaurant waste into clean, renewable fuel.