Fans present a hidden kitchen danger.
Of all the potential disasters presented by the wet surfaces and sharp edges found in your kitchen, you may not have ever considered the dangers presented by some of the most seemingly innocuous fixtures in that room--the fans. While a ventilation system is important, ceiling fans and exhaust fans do present some risks.
Function
Heat accumulates quickly inside kitchens.
Almost every modern kitchen is outfitted with an exhaust fan, which is installed over the stove to diffuse smoke, cooking smells and heat. Heat from cooking tends to quickly build up within the confines of a kitchen, and both exhaust fans and ceiling fans help disperse the accumulated heat and moisture. Without the assistance of a fan, heat-related moisture can cause damage to a kitchen over time, so some sort of exhaust system is essential.
Installation Danger
Anytime a fixture that is connected to electrical wiring is installed, special care must be taken to ensure that an improper installation doesn't lead to possible future injury. Professional installation guards well against such a scenario. Sometimes the ceiling or exhaust fan was installed by a previous homeowner or landlord. In this case, an inspection by a professional might be necessary to alleviate fears about a questionably functioning kitchen fan.
Exhaust Fan Dangers
Exhaust fans pose specific risks. Sometimes, because of vibrations from the motion of the fan, connections and wires can become loose or occasionally disconnect. Constant exposure to heat melts or frays wires in some exhaust fans. Either scenario can create a potential fire hazard. The easiest way to prevent kitchen exhaust fan wiring hazards is to regularly check connections.
Ceiling Fan Dangers
Ceiling fans are helpful in kitchens because they circulate air. However, that function is also one of the reasons it can be a kitchen danger. Ceiling fans may blow lightweight flammable material such as cookbook pages or recipe cards onto heat sources if those objects are left close to a hot burner or open flame. Also, ceiling fans do not belong in a kitchen with low ceilings, as blades can cause injury if they make contact with a raised hand or object.
Risks for Pets and Children
Children and pets are especially at risk around kitchen fans. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, kitchen ceiling fans are hazardous to pet birds, as the feathered friends might fly into them. Ceiling fans, in general, present a persistent hazard to small children, who have been injured when they are tossed in the air or climb on a high object near the fan. Little fingers also are occasionally injured when counter-climbing toddlers explore older style exhaust fans.
Tags: exhaust fans, ceiling fans, Ceiling fans, injured when, kitchen danger