Burns and Cuts
Burns and cuts are serious hazards in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Burns
Burns can be caused by:
steam, irons and hot water in the laundry and kitchen;
hot fat and oils, hot stoves, food trays in the kitchen; and
chemicals used for cleaning surfaces and equipment and gardening.
Ways to reduce the risk of burns
Your employer should have safe methods of work for work near steam, hot surfaces or hot substances and for using corrosive cleaning chemicals.
You must be properly trained and supervised.
Take extra care when working with hot substances.
All appliances must be are turned off at the power supply before cleaning. The gas supply must be turned off if the equipment operates on gas, including pilot lights. All heating equipment should be allowed to cool off before cleaning starts.
First aid for burns
If a burn occurs, first aid treatment is very important. You must place the affected areas of the person's body under cool, running water as soon as possible. Do not remove any of the person's clothing. This makes the burn much worse.
Cuts
Sharp tools such as scissors, knives and appliances for cutting and shredding can cause cuts.
Ways to reduce the risk of cuts
Keep cutting tools clean and sharp.
Use appliances and tools only for the purpose for which they are designed.
Keep all guards in place and keep your fingers and body away from any moving parts.
If guards are removed during machine cleaning, make sure they are replaced. Do not start the machine during cleaning.
When using knives, cut away from your body, and always put them away after use.
Do not leave knives in dish water, as others may cut themselves when they put their hands in the water.
