Designing a secure Kitchen setting

When considering your personal kitchen floor plan, for safety reasons you should adhere to the following rule:-

• Minimum distance between sink and hob of 600mm (2ft).


• Minimum gap of 760mm (2ft 6in) above the hob.


• A hob and oven should not be located such that any door can swing open against them.


• A hob must have a clear worktop or a space of at least 200mm (8in), on either side. This is mainly important where tall cupboards or walls contain a hob; these should be at least 200mm (8in) away from the edge of the hob to check heat damage and allow for pan handle movement.



• A hob must not be located underneath a window as draughts can turn off gas fire and leaning across a hob to open the window is dangerous.


• Minimum expanse of 1200mm (3ft 11in) between any two rows of cupboards that face one another, for model in a galley kitchen, or where an island has been installed. This allows for drawers and the doors of front-loading appliances to be opened, while allowing ease of passage.


• Avoid short runs of worktop of less than 1000mm (3ft 3in) everywhere possible.


• A run of worktop should be supported by a vertical strut every 600mm (2ft). Where two appliances are sited next to each other, allow space for a behind panel to be located between them.


• Recent building rules require all kitchens to have "adequate air extraction".