The kitchen is often the centre of the home. To be truly independent it is necessary to be able to prepare at least basic meals and so it is crucial to have a kitchen design which is safe, efficient and accessible for disabled and able-bodied users alike. The potential for accidents in this part of the house is also high as there are hot plates, gas flames, potentially slippery surfaces, sharp objects and boiling water all of which are the cause of numerous domestic accidents every year throughout the UK.
Accessible kitchens should thus be designed for unobstructed access to the work triangle, that is the area containing the stove, sink and refrigerator, and cross traffic through this space should be eliminated or reduced as far as possible.
Kitchen fires are an all too common cause of serious burn injuries, and loss of life and property, so the use fire resistant materials, linings and finishes, is particularly important in kitchens, especially where the user is elderly or disabled. Installing smoke alarms and regularly ensure that batteries are fitted correctly and still charged, is another way to minimise such risk.
These days there are a huge range of kitchen products and designs that can help to make the kitchen work spaces suitable for use by any number of people all with their own height requirements. Technologies such as remote control and infra red can help even the quite severely disabled gain access to counters, sinks, hobs and microwaves in a safe a user-friendly way.
Accessible kitchens should thus be designed for unobstructed access to the work triangle, that is the area containing the stove, sink and refrigerator, and cross traffic through this space should be eliminated or reduced as far as possible.
Kitchen fires are an all too common cause of serious burn injuries, and loss of life and property, so the use fire resistant materials, linings and finishes, is particularly important in kitchens, especially where the user is elderly or disabled. Installing smoke alarms and regularly ensure that batteries are fitted correctly and still charged, is another way to minimise such risk.
These days there are a huge range of kitchen products and designs that can help to make the kitchen work spaces suitable for use by any number of people all with their own height requirements. Technologies such as remote control and infra red can help even the quite severely disabled gain access to counters, sinks, hobs and microwaves in a safe a user-friendly way.