Kitchen safety?

Question

I've recently moved into a new house.
There is a problem with the kitchen in that the cooker is practically infront of the door.

I've asked my landlord to have it moved as it is unsafe but he believes it's fine.

There are a number of problems:
there is a socket above the cooker...
There are no work surfaces either side of the cooker and when you open the kitchen door..the cooker is right infront of you.
The potential for burns and accidents is astronomical yet he doesn't see it.

Is there a website that highlights safety and cooker positions in the home?
Ive had a look but haven't been able to find any that states exactly where a cooker can be placed.
It's also right infront of the space allocated for my washing machine which means I have to try and pull the cooker out to open the washing machine door.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi,
Sorry you're having bother with your new home.

You're right to be worried about the layout of your kitchen. It certainly sounds as if the stove is not in the correct position.

There should be work surfaces on either side of the stove top...This assures you have a work surface close to your cooking area and thus can prevent you carrying hot pots and pans of liquid about your kitchen.

I too have looked for a website on safety and i couldn't find anything.

But I suggest you contact your local fire station and ask the fire officer to pay you a visit to assess the safety in your kitchen...They provide a free service and I'm sure a written report from him would assure your landlord does the right thing.

He could lose his right to let if it is deemed he is letting unsafe homes to people.

Good luck.

Answer 2

You've already approached your landlord, so you have completed step one. Based on your brief description, it sounds like there might be a problem.

Most towns regulate rental properties, and have Code Enforcement officers who inspect dwellings between renters and such. If yours doesn't, then contact your towns building codes office. They may be able to assist you.