Safety is also a priority in the kitchen!

Critical warning from experts!

Pressure cooker usage errors can cause an explosion!

Pressure cookers can lead to dangerous situations such as explosions. The correct and safe use of pressure cookers is critical to prevent serious accidents.

Stating that pressure cookers should be produced in accordance with the standards, OHS Specialist Dr. Rüştü Uçan said that "There must be a Turkish user manual. It must be read carefully before use. It should only be used with the heat sources specified in the manual."

Pointing out the main causes of pressure cooker explosions, Chemical Engineer Instructor Mustafa Cüneyt Gezen also warned that "Failure to use the pot in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, especially errors in heat settings and cooking times, may cause an explosion."
 

Üsküdar University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Head of Occupational Health and Safety Department, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan and Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Instructor Mustafa Cüneyt Gezen gave important warnings about the safe use of pressure cookers.

Failure to handle carefully may cause an explosion

Pointing out that pressure cookers are a kitchen tool that helps to cook food in shorter periods of time due to the increased pressure of the steam generated during the cooking of the food inside, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan said that "However, if it is not used carefully and its internal pressure rises uncontrollably, it can lead to an explosion, which is a dangerous situation.”

What to look for when buying a pressure cooker?

Stating that pressure cookers should be produced in accordance with EN12778 standards, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan said that "There must be a Turkish user manual. It must be read carefully before use. It should only be used with the heat sources specified in the manual."

The pressure cooker should never be opened by force

Making important distinctions about the use of pressure cookers, Uçan expressed that "Children should not be allowed to approach the pressure cooker. Make sure that the cooker is turned off properly before applying the heat. The pressure cooker should never be opened using force. It should not be opened until the internal pressure drops. A pressure cooker should never be used without adding water. This can cause serious damage. The pressure cooker should not be filled more than 2/3 of its capacity. Foodstuffs such as rice or dried vegetables, which expand while cooking, should not be filled with more than half of the cooker's capacity.”

The pressure cooker should not be used without water

Explaining that before each use of the pressure cooker, it is necessary to check whether the valves are clogged or not, Asst. Prof. Rüştü Uçan continued his remarks as follows:

"The flame diameter of the stove on which the pot is placed should not be larger than the diameter of the pot base. If a ceramic, glass or induction hob is used, the bottom of the pot should be clean and dry. Damaged, torn or dirty gaskets should never be used. Before closing the lid, the valve and moving parts that provide steam evacuation must be clean and in working order. The pressure cooker should never be used without water. It should be at least 1 glass of water or liquid. When the pot reaches normal cooking pressure, the bottom of the stove should be turned down to prevent the liquid in the pot from evaporating completely. Do not try to open your pot before it has completely cooled down and the pressure inside is released. The lid should not be forced open."

Why do pressure cookers explode?

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Instructor Mustafa Cüneyt Gezen listed the main causes of pressure cooker explosions as follows:

"Overfilling is filling the pot above its capacity prevents the steam from circulating properly. This can cause the internal pressure to reach dangerous levels and cause an explosion.

Clogging of the relief valve: The relief valve in pressure cookers plays an important role in relieving excess pressure. If this valve is clogged with food particles or dirt, the pressure cannot be reduced, and the pot may burst.

Wear of seals increases the risk of explosion

Failure of the pressure valve is the pressure valve of the pot is also critical for keeping the internal pressure under control. If the valve does not work correctly, the pressure rises excessively and can cause a burst. This valve has 0-1-2 stages.

Worn or damaged parts: Wear or damage to the seals, lids, or other parts of the pressure cooker will result in the pressure not being controlled properly. This, in turn, increases the risk of explosion.

Improper use: Failure to use the pot in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, in particular errors in heat settings and cooking times, may result in an explosion."

How to understand that a pressure cooker is going to explode?

Drawing attention to the signs that the pressure cooker carries a risk of explosion, Instructor Mustafa Cüneyt Gezen listed these symptoms as follows:

"Overheating: If the pot feels hotter than usual or its outer surface is heating up abnormally, the pressure inside may be excessively high.

Abnormal noises: If the whistle makes different or louder sounds than normal, it may be a sign that the pressure regulation system is not working correctly.

Beware of abnormal steam output!

Abnormal steam output: If more steam comes out than normal from the pressure cooker's whistle or other places, such as the lid, it may indicate that the internal pressure is excessively high.

Constant activation of the whistle: When the whistle is constantly active, it is a sign that the pressure needs to be reduced.

Abnormal movement of the lid: If the lid of the pot moves differently than usual or leaks, it may indicate pressure problems."

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)