COOKWARE

Cookware is glass, stainless steel or ceramic.
You do not use aluminum pots and pans or nonstick cookware.
You do not use imported pottery with lead-based paint.
You do not use plastic or Styrofoam drinking glasses.
You use a steamer to cook vegetables.
Food is not stored in plastic containers.

COUNTERTOPS

There are heat-resistant surfaces-ceramic tile or stainless steel-next to the oven/range.
All surfaces are hard and smooth with well sealed joints so moisture and food wastes do not get trapped in the seams.
The total length of the counter is no more than 12 to 15 feet, with no one section less than 4 feet long.
Electrical circuits providing power to the countertops are equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters.

CUPBOARDS

Construction is of solid wood, metal, or exterior-grade plywood.
Any pressed wood is properly sealed at the top and bottom.
There is a locked cupboard for cleaning products.
There is toe space under all cabinets.

FLOORING

The floor surface is not too hard-no ceramic tile, brick, or slate.
Any pressed-wood subfloor has been sealed to prevent formaldehyde outgassing.
There is no vinyl flooring.

LIGHTING

There is a ceiling light.
Work counters are lit directly from above, preferably with light from under a cabinet, cupboard, or shelf.

MAJOR APPLIANCES

Your refrigerator is an energy efficient model.
You do not have a continuos-cleaning oven; if you have a self-cleaning oven, you do not use its cleaning cycle.
If you have a gas range, it has spark ignition, not a pilot light.
The flame of your gas range is blue tipped, not yellow.
The door of any microwave oven closes tightly.
If the microwave is a countertop model, there are at least 24 inches of adjacent countertop.

SAFETY

Your kitchen has a nonionizing smoke detector and a fire extinguisher.
Appliances are unplugged when not in use.
There are no commercial cleaners stored under the sink or in any cabinets or drawers within reach of youngsters or pets.
Pot handles are always turned toward the back of the stove and kept out of the reach of youngsters.
Knives and all potentially dangerous utensils and appliances are kept well out of the reach of youngsters.

VENTILATION

There are at least two operable windows, placed on two sides of the room.
If you have a gas range, you have an exhaust fan vented to the outside.

WORK CENTERS

You have a preparation and cleanup area centered on the sink.
You have a cooking and serving area centered on the range/oven.
You have a mixing and storing area located close to the refrigerator.