Burn and scald prevention

Keep hot pots and soup away from children

Turn pot handles inward, keep hot food away from table edges, and never carry a child while holding hot food.

Critical safety rule

Last reviewed: 2026-10-12

A hot soup pot at the table edge near a child chair on the left and the same pot centred on a heatproof mat on the right

Why it matters

A child can reach a pot handle, tablecloth, or hot food near an edge. Hot soup and steam can cause a serious scald in seconds.

Wrong action

Leaving a hot pot at the table edge with its handle outward or allowing a child into the cooking and serving area.

Correct action

Turn handles inward, place hot food at the stable centre of the table, and move children and high chairs away from the hot-food zone.

What to do

Turn pot handles toward the back of the hob or wall.
Place hot pots, soup, and drinks in the centre, away from edges and tablecloths.
Never carry a child while carrying hot food.

If something happens

Cool the burn or scald under cool running water for 20 minutes. Do not use ice, toothpaste, or oil, or burst blisters. For a large, deep, or facial burn or breathing difficulty, call 999 immediately without waiting to finish cooling.