Around 8,200 chip pan fires result
in 34 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries in the UK each year so it is
vital to reduce fire hazards and cook safely. Most chip pan fires
are caused by leaving pans unattended while cooking, or by putting
too much oil in the chip pan. Most of the casualties result
from not knowing how to deal with a chip pan fire once it starts.
Around 60 per cent of dwelling fires are caused by cooking
related fires. The smoke that comes from a chip pan fire is deadly
and the thousands of injuries caused can be made much worse when
attempting to extinguish the fire with water.
When water is put onto hot oil it heats up, expands,
turns to steam and rises in a big steam cloud.
Each particle of steam is coated in burning oil and if
you are near it you will be badly burned.
Why not try oven or microwave chips or invest in a
thermostat-controlled deep fat fryer?
- Never fill a pan more than a third full of oil;
- Never leave a pan unattended;
- Do not put wet chips into hot oil ;
- Don't leave pans in the hob when you're not around. Take them
off the heat if you have to leave the kitchen.
- Don't move the pan and never throw water over it.
- Test the temperature of the oil with a small amount of food;
and
- If the oil gives off smoke it is too hot.
- Clothing and tea towels should be kept aways from the
cooker.
- Keep electrical leads away from the cooker and from
water.