 A bleeding finger in the mouth or
a soiled white rag around the index finger is often a common sight in about ninety nine
percent of our kitchens. It is primarily due to mishandling of yet another hazard in the
kitchens - the knives. Very often fingers are cut by knives and sharp edges such as lids.
Hence knives, chisels and craft tools should be stored separately. Knives should never be
left around on kitchen work surfaces or floating around in the sink. Don’t try to do
a Eknath Solkar with a falling knife. Don’t use knives as screw-drivers or bottle
openers. It is not only sharp knives that can cause injury. Using a blunt knife leads to
the possibility of it slipping more frequently and injuring you as well as others in the
vicinity. It is essential to keep all the knives razor sharp and in good condition. Knife
handles should be firmly fixed and free from grease for a firm grip. In addition, always
select the right knife for the job in hand. A knife too large, too small or the wrong
shape of a knife can lead to problems.
 Remember never to cut or slice any thing while holding
it in your hand or on a wet slippery surface. Always cut or chop on a board, but never on
a stainless steel board or in the hand. When using a knife, use a firm grip; try to use
even pressure for cutting. Avoid cutting towards the body. Ensure that there is enough
room so that a person using a knife is not in danger of being bumped into by another
person. Be careful not to leave sharp knives lying around on tables or worktops. Also
don’t walk around carrying a knife. If you have to carry one, always hold the point
of the knife downwards. The knives should be cleaned and stored carefully in suitable
sheaths or racks so that an unwary person is not hurt. It is not only knives that can
cause cuts. Glass can be even more dangerous. Ordinary glass is very brittle and when it
breaks its sharp, jagged pieces can cut like daggers. Breaking glass can also cause cuts.
A metal or any other rigid grid should be placed over low level glass that children could
run into. Or at least a plastic film should be placed over the glass. However the best
option would be to use laminated, toughened or wired glass.
 Children have accidents with glass and other sharp
things, because they are unsteady on their feet and fall over easily. Older children are
at risk when they are playing rough games running in and out of the house. In fact, even
elderly people with failing eyesight can suffer serious injuries by walking through
unmarked glass. Dangerous glass can be made conspicuous by sticking on coloured strips.
Frosted or patterned glass is unlikely to be safety glass. Glass tables in homes should
also have toughened safety glass. Children should never be allowed to walk around with a
glass or any brittle object that might shatter. They should be taught to never point the
tips of knife and other similar objects at others. Sharp tools should be kept out of the
reach of children. As they grow they should be told to use them safely. Make sure that the
toys do not have any sharp edges.
 If your child wears glasses, get splinter proof or
plastic lenses. You can teach him to keep his fingers away from mixers, grinders and
blenders. In case you have received a packet, which also contains glass bottles, never
plunge your hand into the packet. There could be a broken bottle. So always look first. Do
not pile up your dirty glassware in the sink. Look out for chipped and cracked glasses
after you have washed your glassware. Don’t let children shake glass bottles
containing carbonated drinks for these could explode. If you break the rim of a bottle,
while opening it, dispose off the contents and put in the waste container, neck first. And
above all, remember to sweep up (not pick up) broken glass immediately. Dispose off all
the broken glasses by wrapping up in plenty of paper and place in a metal
receptacle.
First aid for minor cuts:
1. Rinse wound with running water
2. Clean skin around the wound with soap and water
3. Use direct pressure to control any bleeding
4. Apply sterile dressing
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