Commercial kitchens regularly use cooking oil. It is a necessary component used in restaurants and almost all other food establishments. Because of this, workers in the kitchen must handle cooking oil on a daily basis. It can become so much of a routine that it’s easy to forget that cooking oil is dangerous, especially when it’s hot.
Here are some cooking oil management safety tips that will help keep kitchen workers safe when handling cooking oil.
Let Fryer Oil Cool Down
Cooking oil can get up to 500 degrees fahrenheit when it’s being used in a deep fryer so it’s essential to let it cool down before it’s transferred to a container for removal. It is recommended to allow used cooking oil to cool down to 250°F before it can be transferred from a deep fryer.
It can take about 2.5 hours for oil to cool down and be ready to transfer and even more to cool down to room temperature if you plan to transport it.
Cover Up Properly When Handling Hot Cooking Oil
Making sure you’re protected when handling hot cooking oil is essential. The following protective clothing can help you stay safe and keep oil from splashing on your skin:
- Heat-resistant gloves
- Safety mask
- Full-body apron
It’s also a good idea to let other kitchen staff know if you’re moving used cooking oil from one location to another. This can help prevent spills and other accidents.
Clear Spills As Soon As They Happen
It’s impossible to prevent spills entirely but they don’t need to be dangerous if they’re addressed right away. Using time-tested methods to absorb and prevent the spread of cooking oil spills like flour or baking soda will help keep spills as small as possible.
Get Rid of Waste Oil with a Used Cooking Oil Collection Company
Partnering with a Fryer Oil Collection Service is one of the best ways to ensure your handling of cooking oil management safely and efficiently. A collection company, like EcoOil Recycling, will determine how much cooking oil you use on a regular basis and set a regular pickup schedule. On-time pickups will help you maintain your kitchen’s cleanliness and keep it running smoothly. Contact us today to learn more about how EcoOil Recycling can help with used cooking oil collection.

