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Cooking with Oil

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Cooking with Oil

Cooking with oil can be dangerous and this applies to deep-fat frying pans etc.

Kitchen Safety| Safer Homes

Last updated: 19th March, 2024

Cooking with oil can be dangerous if the oil overheats. This applies to deep-fat frying in a pan or when using a wok or karahi.

What TO Do

Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil so that it doesn’t splash
If oil starts to smoke, it is too hot. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool
Use a thermostat-controlled deep fat fryer. They are safer because they should not overheat
If a pan of cooking oil catches fire, turn the heat off if it is safe to do so. Leave the building closing doors behind you. Call 999 and follow the instructions you are given
Ensure you have working smoke alarms on each level of your home and test them every month
Consider requesting a Home Fire Safety Visit to review fire precautions within your home and receive additional advice and guidance

What NOT To Do

Do not fill a pan, wok or karahi more than a third full of oil
Do not leave cooking unattended
Do not attempt to put an oil fire out yourself
Do not move the pan, wok or karahi
Do not put water on to hot oil – it will cause the oil to bubble up, overflow and ignite

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