GUIDE GuidaSAFETY alla sicurezza
INDEX
PART ONE SAFE FURNITURE INSTALLATION
Pag. 83
1. FIXING THE FURNITURE TO THE WALL
Pag. 85
2. FIXING THE FURNITURE TO THE FLOOR
Pag. 95
2A. JOINING WORK ISLAND PARTS TOGETHER
Pag. 99
3. FIXING THE FURNITURE TO THE CEILING
Pag. 104
4. FIXING WALL-HUNG FURNITURE TO THE WALL
Pag. 107
5. A TRADESMAN FOR EVERY JOB
Pag. 125
PART TWO A SAFE KITCHEN FOR CHILDREN
Pag. 129
1. SAFE KITCHEN FURNITURE INSTALLATION FOR CHILDREN
Pag. 131
2. OTHER RISKY SITUATIONS
Pag. 147
SAFETY GUIDE
The accidents that occur in our homes contrast with the way we usually consider them, i.e. as the safest places on earth. It is this basic idea that makes it difficult to clearly perceive the risks and dangers lurking in our homes. These risks are often underestimated even by adults; accidents in the home, that don’t spare any age group, are the main cause of death amongst children. The kitchen is the room in the home where the greatest number of accidents occur and these are often due to wrong furniture installation. This manual has been prepared for the installer, but also for the end user, and contains useful advice to prevent accidents, even serious ones, in our homes.
81
FOR CORRECT AND SAFE FURNITURE INSTALLATION, AS WELL AS CAREFULLY FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THIS MANUAL, WE SUGGEST YOU CONSULT THE “VALCUCINE ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION SHEETS”. IN ANY CASE, INSTALLATION MUST BE CARRIED OUT BY SKILLED TRADESMEN ONLY VALCUCINE S.P.A. DECLINES ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGES CAUSED BY WRONG PRODUCT INSTALLATION DUE TO NON-COMPLIANCE TO THE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED IN THE “VALCUCINE ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS SHEETS” AND IN THIS BOOKLET.
PART ONE SAFE FURNITURE INSTALLATION All furniture, no matter whether it is floor-standing or wall-hung, must be properly fixed to the walls, to the floor (in the event of work islands) or to the ceiling (free-standing bookcases). Valcucine’s base, tower, cupboard units and bookcases have an anchoring system that prevents them from capsizing if they are overloaded or if people (usually children) climb or stand on them to reach objects situated higher up. This chapter gives the installer the information and advice necessary to install the furniture correctly and safely. Valcucine advices the end user to check that all parts have been correctly assembled to prevent domestic accidents, especially if there are children in the home.
83
1. FIXING THE FURNITURE TO THE WALL
ATTENTION:
When furniture is fixed to the wall, the wall must be drilled. Before drilling it is very important to check, using the special wall scanner, that there are no electric wires or pipes located in that specific area to prevent drilling holes into the plumbing or into an electric cable.
85
FIXING BASE UNITS TO THE WALL Base units fitted with drawers and jumbo drawers must be fixed to the wall using capsize-prevention safety brackets. These are pre-assembled onto 60cm deep base units only. They must be fitted onto 65cm or 80cm deep base units before standing them against the wall. If the unit is to be assembled leaving a non-standard gap between itself and the wall, a spacer must be fixed to the interior side panel of the base unit and the capsize-prevention bracket must be applied to it. It is mandatory to fix base units to the wall to prevent them from capsizing when heavy jumbo drawers full of objects are opened.
PROBLEM
Kitchen fitted with base units that are not fixed to the wall. The units may topple over when jumbo drawers and drawers are opened.
86
SOLUTION
Kitchen with base units fixed to the wall using special capsize-prevention brackets. Even if drawers and jumbo drawers are fully opened, the units remain firmly anchored to the wall.
FIXING TOWER UNITS TO THE WALL As is true of base units, tower units must also be fixed to the wall to avoid accidental capsizing. To make this easy, all Valcucine’s tower units are fitted with a capsize-prevention device. If the tower unit is to be assembled leaving a non-standard gap between itself and the wall, a spacer must be fixed to the interior side panel of the unit and the capsize-prevention device must be applied to it. It is mandatory to fix tower units to the wall to prevent them from capsizing when the pullout doors with racks full of objects are opened.
PROBLEM
Kitchen fitted with tower units that are not fixed to the wall: it may capsize if pullouts are opened.
SOLUTION
Kitchen with tower units fixed to the wall using special brackets: even if the pullout door is open and is full of objects, the tower units remain anchored to the wall regardless. 87
FIXING THE 8mm BOOKCASE TO THE WALL To prevent accidental capsizing of the 8mm bookcase it must be fixed to the wall. To make this easy, all Valcucine’s bookcases are fitted with a capsizeprevention device.
PROBLEM
The 8mm bookcase is not fixed to the wall: it may capsize under stress.
88
SOLUTION
The 8mm bookcase is fixed to the wall using the special capsize-prevention device. Even under stress it remains firmly anchored to the wall.
FIXING THE FRATAVOLO TABLE The Fratavolo table can be provided with a stabiliser at the base of the legs. The Fratavolo table without a stabiliser must be fixed to the wall or to the equipped back section (after having checked that they are sturdy enough to prevent the table from overturning). In the event of plasterboard walls, we suggest you add a strengthening and supporting frame inside the wall in the area the table will be fixed to. The Fratavolo table provided with legs with a stabiliser does not need to be fixed to the wall.
PROBLEM
SOLUTION A (Fratavolo table without a stabiliser)
SOLUTION B (Fratavolo table with a stabiliser)
If the Fratavolo table with legs but without a stabiliser is not properly fixed to the wall, proper stability cannot be guaranteed.
A) The Fratavolo table without a stabiliser must be properly fixed to the wall to prevent stability problems. B) The Fratavolo table provided with a stabiliser does not need to be fixed to the wall. 89
FIXING THE WALL PANELLING TO THE WALL The wall panelling can be used in many ways and can be subjected to many loads. It is important to check the type of wall to which it will be fixed and the weight that it will have to support; the aim is to choose the most suitable type of fixing method by consulting the “types of fixings” section on pages 108109-116. If you want to hang ovens to the wall panelling it will be necessary to check that the wall is a load-bearing one.
PROBLEM
Wall panelling that isn’t fixed to the wall properly may overturn under stress.
90
SOLUTION
The wall panelling fixed to the wall using the slotted brackets and screws and screw plugs suitable for the type of wall will remain firmly anchored even if subjected to stress.
FIXING THE CUPBOARD UNIT WITH SLIDING DOORS TO THE WALL To prevent cupboard units with sliding doors from capsizing (this may happen when full-extension jumbo drawers full of objects are opened) it is necessary to fix the unit to the wall using the capsize-prevention brackets supplied and screws.
PROBLEM
The cupboard unit is not fixed to the wall. It may capsize when drawers and jumbo drawers are opened.
SOLUTION
The cupboard unit must be fixed to the wall using the special capsize-prevention brackets. Even when drawers and jumbo drawers are opened, the cupboard unit remains firmly anchored to the wall. 91
FIXING THE NEW LOGICA SYSTEM The ergonomic New Logica system is capable of containing and concealing, when necessary, all the equipment used in the kitchen. It is composed of an aluminium structure that must be anchored to the wall by means of brackets fixed to the rear uprights and using screws with screw plugs suitable for the type of material of which the wall is made.
PROBLEM
If the system is not properly fixed to the wall, by opening the full-extension jumbo drawers full of objects, it may topple over.
92
SOLUTION
By fixing the rear uprights to the wall using the special brackets the New Logica System remains firmly anchored to the wall.
FIXING THE BASE UNITS OF THE NEW LOGICA SYSTEM The base units of the ergonomic New Logica System must be fixed to the bottom of the carcass by means of the special brackets. If the base units are in glass, fix the brackets through the holes drilled in the side panels of the glass base units to this purpose.
PROBLEM
If the base units are not properly fixed to the aluminium carcass, by opening the jumbo drawers full of objects, they may topple over.
SOLUTION
By fixing the base units to the carcass of the New Logica System a single volume is created that remains firmly anchored to the wall.
93
2. FIXING THE FURNITURE TO THE FLOOR
ATTENTION:
Before fixing the base units to the floor always check, using the special wall scanner, that there are no electric wires or plumbing in the area where the holes are to be drilled to anchor the base units to the floor. Moreover, it is necessary to use the best type of fixing for the floor and this must be chosen depending on whether underfloor heating is installed (see page 98).
95
FIXING 63, 80, 96, 120CM DEEP BASE UNITS FOR WORK ISLANDS TO THE FLOOR The free-standing work islands must be fixed to the floor using the capsizeprevention brackets supplied with the kitchen. The brackets must be fixed to the bottom of the base unit using the screws supplied. This is mandatory to prevent it from capsizing when full-extension jumbo drawers full of objects are opened. It is important to use the best type of fixing for the floor, taking great care especially if underfloor heating is installed. If it should be impossible to fix the kitchen to the floor, we suggest you install base units with doors (see page 98).
PROBLEM
Work island fitted with base units that are not fixed to the floor. The island may topple over when jumbo drawers and drawers are opened. 96
SOLUTION
Work island with base units fixed to the floor using special capsize-prevention brackets. The work island will not topple over, even when fullextension jumbo drawers are opened.
FIXING BASE UNITS FOR WORK ISLANDS WITH FLOOR-STANDING BACK PANELS TO THE FLOOR The various work island versions that can be fitted with an equipped back section, a breakfast bar, or both must be fixed to the floor using the capsizeprevention brackets supplied with the kitchen. The brackets must be fixed to the rear of the base unit in the service gap. This is mandatory to prevent the island from capsizing when all the jumbo drawers are opened. It is important to use the best type of fixing for the type of floor (see page 98) taking great care especially if underfloor heating is installed.
PROBLEM
Work island fitted with base units that are not fixed to the floor. It may capsize when drawers and jumbo drawers are opened.
SOLUTION
Work island with base units fixed to the floor using special capsize-prevention brackets. The work island will remain anchored to the floor, even when the full-extension jumbo drawers are opened. 97
TYPES OF FIXINGS 1) Fixing the kitchen to the floor without a heating system Capsize-prevention bracket threaded rod
40/50mm
sleeve anchor
If there is no underfloor heating system, to fix the capsize-prevention brackets you can drill a 40/45mm deep hole through the screed (excluding the thickness of the tile or of the paving in wood or in a different material) using a Ø10mm bit. E.g.: if the floor is made of bricks it is necessary to use sleeve anchors, tightening the threaded rod after having filled the plug with the chemical anchor supplied.
anchor gun Ø 10mm hole
2) Fixing the kitchen to the floor with a heating system Capsize-prevention bracket
10/20 mm
threaded rod
anchor gun Ø 20mm hole
98
Usually, the pipes of the heating system are installed 40mm below the top edge of the screed. If there is an underfloor heating system, drill Ø20mm holes, 10/20mm deep, through the screed (excluding the thickness of the tile or of the paving in wood or in a different material). Use the threaded rod after having filled the Ø20mm hole with the chemical anchor. If the underfloor heating system is of the lowered screed type in which the pipes of the system are less than 10mm from the upper edge of the screed, or if the heating system doesn’t require a screed but just the flooring, we suggest you use free-standing units with doors, without jumbo drawers, because they can’t be fixed to the floor. Valcucine’s tests certify that this type of fixing is guaranteed for screeds with properties that correspond to, or are superior to, those of C12/15 concrete (low resistance class) without cracks and mature.
2A. JOINING WORK ISLAND PARTS TOGETHER
ATTENTION:
The free-standing work island can be composed, as well as of base units, of other elements such as: the breakfast bar, the steel equipped back section or the aluminium or stone equipped back section. For additional safety, all the island parts must be fixed securely together so as to form a single volume. This must then be fixed to the floor as described on the preceding pages.
99
WORK ISLAND: FIXING THE STEEL BACK SECTION TO THE BASE UNIT As well as standing on sturdy feet, the steel back section must also be anchored to the kitchen base units using the capsize-prevention brackets located on the rear. This is indispensable to prevent it from capsizing if it were accidentally pulled outwards.
PROBLEM
If the equipped back section is not fixed to the base units it may come away and topple over onto the floor.
100
SOLUTION
The equipped back section, when fixed to the base units using the special capsize-prevention brackets, remains firmly anchored even under stress.
WORK ISLAND: FIXING THE STONE BACK SECTION TO THE BASE UNIT The stone back section must be anchored to the base units of the arrangement by means of special brackets to prevent it from capsizing if someone or something should accidentally knock against it. The capsize-prevention brackets must be fixed to the back of the base unit side panel.
PROBLEM
If the stone back section is not secured to the base units it may capsize.
SOLUTION
The stone equipped back section, when fixed to the base units using the special brackets, doesn’t overturn even under stress.
101
WORK ISLAND: FIXING THE BREAKFAST BAR TO THE BASE UNIT The breakfast bar has been designed to support considerable loads and to carry heavy objects. To prevent it from capsizing it must be firmly secured to the base units of the work island. Inside the breakfast bar there is a metal support that connects the back panel to the top and that is used to fix the capsize-prevention brackets that will be connected to the profile that is already applied to the back of the base units.
PROBLEM
The breakfast bar is not securely anchored to the back of the base units. If stressed by heavy loads or by a person leaning on it, it may topple over onto the floor. 102
SOLUTION
The breakfast bar is anchored to the base units: it doesn’t capsize, even if stressed by heavy loads.
WORK ISLAND: FIXING THE BREAKFAST BAR TO THE EQUIPPED BACK SECTION If an equipped back section is fitted between the breakfast bar and the base units, the breakfast bar must be fixed securely to the aluminium profiles previously applied to the back section by means of the brackets, and fixed to the joining brackets with the base unit back panels.
PROBLEM
SOLUTION
aluminium equipped back section
The breakfast bar is not fixed securely to the equipped back section. If stressed by heavy loads it may topple over onto the floor.
The breakfast bar is anchored to the equipped back section: it doesn’t capsize, even if stressed by heavy loads.
103
3. FIXING THE FURNITURE TO THE CEILING
ATTENTION:
Before drilling the ceiling we suggest you check, using the special scanner, whether electric wires are running in the area where the hole is to be drilled.
104
FIXING THE TWO-SIDED BOOKCASE TO THE CEILING To prevent accidental capsizing of the 8mm two-sided bookcase it must be fixed to the ceiling. To make this easy, all Valcucine’s bookcases come with a capsize-prevention device. Screws and screw plugs suitable for the material of which the ceiling is composed must be used.
PROBLEM
The two-sided bookcase is not anchored to the ceiling: it may capsize under the slightest stress.
SOLUTION
The two-sided bookcase is fixed to the ceiling using the special fixing device: it won’t capsize even if accidentally knocked against or stressed to reach objects located in the top shelves. 105
4. FIXING WALL-HUNG FURNITURE TO THE WALL
In this chapter, we have divided the furniture into two categories: units deeper than 35cm and units less than or equal to 35cm deep. The types of furniture fixings available, depending on whether they will be hung onto a load-bearing or onto a non load-bearing wall, will be examined in detail on the following pages. The type of wall must be determined by a skilled tradesman. Generally speaking, if a unit deeper than 35cm is hung onto a load-bearing wall, it must be supported by brackets fixed using screw plugs. If the same unit is fixed to a non load-bearing wall, feet must be applied to the supporting structure of the base units so that part of its weight is supported by the floor. In any case, the installer should “try out� the kitchen after installing it, by opening and closing the drawers and jumbo drawers after having overloaded them.
107
DEPTH OF UNIT GREATER THAN 35cm: INSTALLATION ON A LOAD-BEARING WALL Generally speaking, units deeper than 35cm can only be hung to load-bearing walls (if the wall is not loadbearing, feet will be required, see page 116). Load-bearing walls are those that can never be removed because they make up the load-bearing structure of the building. The load-bearing walls offer the best guarantee for units that must be supported by brackets fixed using specific screw plugs depending on the material of which the wall is composed. Before installing wallhung units, a skilled tradesman must check what the wall is made of and choose the most suitable type of anchoring device. The following types of walls will be examined in this chapter: 1) installation on a load-bearing concrete wall 2) installation on a load-bearing brick wall 3) installation on a load-bearing wooden wall If the units are hung onto a load-bearing wall covered by a curtain wall, the screw plugs must be long enough to reach the load-bearing wall. For more technical information regarding wall fixing problems we suggest you consult the Fischer general catalogue; it can be requested by calling the freephone number or downloaded from their website.
1) Installation on a load-bearing concrete wall This type of wall is an excellent guarantee for sturdy wall hanging of furniture. Special screws and screw plugs must be used.
108
2) Installation on a load-bearing brick wall top view air brick
perf.screw plug
Special screws and screw plugs must also be used to fix units to an air brick wall. If the units are 80cm deep and 36cm or 24cm high (these units are very heavy to support), Valcucine recommends the use of perforated screw plugs for chemical anchors (see drawing on the side). A special anchoring agent is injected inside the screw plugs; it then oozes out of the small holes in the plug and fills the empty spaces in the bricks. The screw that fixes the supporting bracket is then inserted in the screw plug.
screw chemical anchor
INSTALLATION USING A PERFORATED SCREW PLUG
3) Installation on a load-bearing wooden wall It’s possible to fix the furniture using brackets anchored by specific screws for wood (6x60) to a wall having a single load-bearing, wood laminate structure. If the structure is a wooden framework, it will be necessary to add some reinforcements where necessary and then fix the supporting brackets to these. 109
FIXING THE WALL-HUNG BASE UNITS TO A LOAD-BEARING WALL Once a skilled tradesman has established that the wall to which the furniture is to be hung is a load-bearing one, it is possible to proceed by fixing the steel L-shaped hangers. The L-shaped hangers must be placed: - at the sides of the arrangement, flush with the upper aluminium profile, making sure that they also support the end side, - where two base units meet.
PROBLEM
SOLUTION top alum. profile
special Valcucine furniture hanger
Wall-hung units on a load-bearing wall: if they are not properly fixed to the wall using the special supports, they may come away from the wall if full-extension jumbo drawers full of objects are opened. 110
Kitchen with base units fixed to the wall using special profiles and supports. The units will remain anchored to the wall even when the full-extension jumbo drawers full of objects are opened.
FIXING THE H12 WALL-HUNG BASE UNITS TO A LOAD-BEARING WALL The H12 wall-hung base units can only be applied to load-bearing walls and not to interior curtain walls. The H12 base units must be placed on an aluminium framework installed on top of L-shaped supports fixed to the wall using screws and screw plugs suitable for the type of material of which the wall is composed. Valcucine supplies a back panel that must be fitted below the framework to conceal the L-shaped supports.
PROBLEM
The H12 base units are fixed to the wall using brackets: due to the depth-height ratio of the base units, they are subject to considerable tensile stress that may make them come away from the wall and topple over.
SOLUTION
The H12 base units are fixed to a load-bearing wall using special supports that counteract the tensile stress on the screw plug. The base unit remains firmly anchored to the wall. 111
FIXING THE WALL-HUNG TOWER UNITS TO A LOAD-BEARING WALL Tower units can also be hung to a load-bearing wall. They must be fixed at the top to the horizontal profiles attached to the wall while the bottom must rest on the L-shaped supports installed below them. The supports must be placed: - at the sides of the arrangement, checking that part of the side panel is supported by the hanger. - where two tower units meet.
PROBLEM
SOLUTION
top alum. profile
steel L-shaped support
Wall-hung tower units: if they are not properly fixed to the wall by means of the specific supports, they may come away from the wall and topple over.
112
The tower units are fixed to the wall using the special profiles and L-shaped supports. They remain firmly anchored to the wall even under the stress of heavy loads.
FIXING WALL-HUNG OVENS TO A LOAD-BEARING WALL Before installing wall-hung ovens, a skilled tradesman must check what the wall is made of and choose the most suitable type of anchoring device. The base units for wall-hung ovens can only be applied to load-bearing walls and must be fixed using suitable supports.
PROBLEM
The base units for ovens are fixed to a load-bearing wall without the use of special supports anchored by suitable screw plugs. Wrong installation may cause the oven base units to come away from the wall and topple over.
SOLUTION
Base units for ovens fixed to a load-bearing wall using supports and brackets anchored by suitable screw plugs. The oven base units remains firmly anchored to the wall. 113
FIXING WALL-HUNG CUPBOARD UNITS TO A LOAD-BEARING WALL The wall-hung cupboard unit with pullout sliding doors is very large and can contain a great quantity of objects; if these are added to its own specific weight, it can become very heavy. The wall must be checked to ascertain that it is able to support the weight of the cupboard unit.
PROBLEM
If a support is not installed at the base of the unit, it may come away from the wall and fall on top of the underlying units.
114
SOLUTION
To fix the cupboard unit correctly, the L-shaped supports provided must be used (at the base of the unit) as well as the wall unit fixing bars; these must be fixed using screws and screw plugs suitable for the type of wall.
FIXING THE WALL-HUNG DESK TO A LOAD-BEARING WALL Before fixing the desk to the wall it is necessary to make sure that the wall is capable of supporting its load as well as that of any other objects (e.g. a computer) that may be placed on top of it. The desk must be placed on an aluminium framework fixed to the wall using screws and screw plugs suitable for the type of material of which the wall is composed.
PROBLEM
The desk is fixed to the wall using unsuitable screw plugs.
SOLUTION
The desk is fixed using the special steel support with screws and screw plugs suitable for the type of wall.
115
DEPTH OF UNITS GREATER THAN 35 cm: INSTALLATION ON NON LOAD-BEARING WALLS To install wall-hung base units on this type of wall, it is indispensable to use screws and screw plugs suitable for the type of wall as well as to fit feet to the base unit supporting structure so that some of the weight is supported by the floor (it is advisable to fit the feet so that the maximum distance between them is 120cm).
1) Installation on a brick partition wall To fix the units to a brick partition, screw plugs suitable for this type of wall must be used.
1) Installation on a plasterboard partition wall Due to the fact that plasterboard is particularly crumbly, special screw plugs must be used to fix a unit to this type of material. Screw plugs for plasterboard have been designed to be fixed securely so that they don’t rotate during the expansion and tightening phase. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to strengthen the plasterboard in the area where the unit will be fixed.
116
FIXING WALL-HUNG BASE UNITS TO A NON LOAD-BEARING WALL To install wall-hung base units on non load-bearing walls, feet must be applied to the supporting structure of the base units so that part of the weight is supported by the floor. In fact, non load-bearing walls aren’t very thick (they are usually made of air bricks) because they aren’t constructed to support heavy loads. The wall may collapse making the kitchen topple over.
PROBLEM
SOLUTION top alum. profile
steel L-shaped support
The kitchen is fixed to a non load-bearing wall without the help of feet and without the aid of screw plugs suitable for the type of wall: the kitchen may topple over.
alum. supp. foot
The kitchen is fixed to a non load-bearing wall using special supports and feet: it doesn’t capsize, even if stressed by heavy loads.
117
FIXING THE WALL-HUNG TOWER UNITS TO A NON LOAD-BEARING WALL Tower units can be hung onto a non load-bearing wall as long as feet are fitted in the L-shaped supports. The tower units must also be fixed at the top to the horizontal profiles secured to the wall and made to rest on the L-shaped supports at the bottom. The supports must be placed: - at the sides of the arrangement, checking that part of the side panel is supported by the bracket. - where two tower units meet.
PROBLEM
SOLUTION
top alum. profile
steel L-shaped support
Tower units hung onto a non load-bearing wall: if they are not properly fixed to the wall by means of the specific supports and feet they may come away from the wall and topple over. 118
alum. supp. foot
The tower units are fixed to the wall using special profiles, L-shaped supports and feet: even if they are stressed by heavy load, the tower units remain anchored to the wall.
FIXING THE WALL-HUNG DESK TO A LOAD-BEARING WALL The desk can also be hung onto non load-bearing walls as long as special vertical profiles, reaching the floor that bears the weight and that are fixed to the wall with screws and screw plugs suitable for the type of material of which the wall is composed, are used to support the aluminium framework. The vertical profiles will then be concealed by a back panel.
PROBLEM
SOLUTION
special support that reaches the floor to bear its weight
The desk is fixed to a non load-bearing wall without using special supports.
The desk is fixed to the non load-bearing wall using special steel supports and screws and screw plugs suitable for the type of wall.
119
DEPTH OF UNITS LESS OR GREATER THAN 35cm: INSTALLATION ON LOAD-BEARING AND NON LOAD-BEARING WALLS Furniture that is less than or equal to 35cm deep can be hung both on load-bearing walls and on non load-bearing walls. It is however necessary to use fixing screws suitable for the material of which the wall is composed (see pages 108, 109, 116).
120
FIXING THE WALL UNITS The wall units must be attached to the wall unit fixing bar that has previously been fixed using screws and screw plugs suitable for the type of wall (see pages 108, 109, 116). It is advisable to use only the wall unit fixing bars supplied by Valcucine that have safety devices to prevent accidental detachment. The fixings must be adjusted so that they are all under tension with the bars fixed to the wall and so that the weight of the wall unit does not rest on an underlying back panel, if installed. This will give you the certainty that the hook completely penetrates the fixing.
SOLUTION
1mm
PROBLEM
If the bars are not all under tension with the wall unit fixing bars or if the wall unit is resting on the underlying back panel, it may come away from the fixing bar.
If the wall unit is correctly attached to the fixing bar supplied by Valcucine it will remain firmly anchored to the wall.
121
EXTRACTOR HOODS: WALL OR CEILING HUNG Hoods can be very heavy therefore, before installing them it is always wise to ask a skilled tradesman to check the wall or ceiling to choose the most suitable type of anchoring device to use (see pages 108, 109, 116).
122
FIXING THE HOODS TO THE WALL Before fixing the hood to the wall it is necessary to make sure that the wall is capable of supporting its load; it is always advisable to ask a skilled tradesman to do this. Hoods can be anchored to the wall using wall unit fixing bars and relevant fixings or directly to the wall using the hangers supplied with the hood.
PROBLEM
If the hood is not fixed to the wall properly it may come away and topple over.
SOLUTION
If the hood is anchored to the wall using suitable screws, screw plugs and fixings, even if it is very heavy, it will not come away from the wall.
123
FIXING THE RONDINE HOOD TO THE CEILING Before installing the Rondine hood, check that the ceiling to which the hood will be hung is suitable to support this type of load. If it isn’t, the ceiling may collapse and the hood, even if it is subjected to a small amount of stress, may come away and fall from the ceiling. If the ceiling is in plasterboard, the Rondine hood must be fixed to a made-to-measure framework that will be supplied by Valcucine; this framework is also used as a spacer between the hood body and the ceiling. The framework will subsequently be concealed by a plasterboard casing. PROBLEM
SOLUTION
120
If the Rondine hood is fixed to a plasterboard ceiling or a different ceiling that is not able to support its weight without using the spacer framework, it may collapse when subjected to minimal stress. 124
The Rondine hood framework must be fixed using specific screws to the ceiling after it has been tested to check whether it can support the hood’s weight.
5. A TRADESMAN FOR EVERY JOB
Plumber Electrician
In addition to the instructions given on the preceding pages regarding proper furniture installation and to the suggestions provided to avoid the danger hazards lurking in the kitchen, especially where children are concerned, the next pages will contain additional rules that should be respected for a really safe kitchen. Everything must be designed and implemented by skilled personnel. In the first place, the project must be prepared by a skilled architect; as well as the kitchen layout, the project must also indicate where ventilation holes will be located, where the sockets will be installed on the kitchen back panel, the distance to be respected between the hood and the hob, and so on. Moreover, electric, gas and plumbing systems must be installed exclusively by expert and qualified tradesmen. In any case, it is advisable to respect the Laws in force in your Country (in Italy: Law 5/5/90 n. 46 Systems safety regulations).
125
USEFUL SUGGESTIONS TO PLAN A SAFE KITCHEN
CHECK VALVE
VENTILATION HOLES Hob w/thermocouple and/or natural gas supply
Toxic gasses entering from adjacent chimney Hood with check valve
STOP
Ventilation hole for outdoor air
The same quantity of air used up by gas combustion must flow into the kitchen from outdoors. It must also be remembered that, if there isn’t an air inlet in the kitchen, hood extraction may generate a vacuum that prevents the hood from working. To prevent this problem, air must flow into the kitchen through permanent ventilation holes in the wall that connect to outdoors. Valcucine suggest you follow the Laws in force in your Country for the dimensions of the ventilation hole.
126
Room under vacuum
Valcucine has fitted a special check valve on all its hood models that shuts to prevent air from entering the kitchen from the outside when the motor is off. Under particular circumstances in the home (draughts or depressions) the vicinity to other chimneys of the outdoor discharge hole may cause the toxic gasses produced by fireplaces, stoves or boiler flues to enter the home. Moreover, without a check valve, cold air may enter and hot air may exit the kitchen.
USEFUL SUGGESTIONS TO PLAN A SAFE KITCHEN
HEIGHT OF THE HOOD FROM THE HOB
POSITION OF ELECTRIC SOCKETS
60
> 65
60
There are regulations that set the minimum distance between the hood and the hob at 65cm.
In the kitchen, sockets for small household appliances must be installed: - on the kitchen back panel; - on the wall unit accessory hanging bar near the neon lights; - if there is an equipped back section, inside a compartment fitted with a switch and a circuit breaker. A safety distance of at least 60cm must be respected from the sink and from the hob because the sockets must not be exposed to heat or come into contact with water. Nevertheless, it is advisable to respect the Laws in force in your Country.
127
PART TWO A SAFE KITCHEN FOR CHILDREN The kitchen is often used by children as a playground, despite the fact that it is potentially the most dangerous room in the home. Home accidents that involve children regard: 1. structural dangers in the home (unsafe electric systems, unstable hanging of units to the walls, etc.) 2. products that enter the home (toys, appliances, medicine, chemical cleaning products, etc.) 3. the child’s behaviour 4. the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of parents towards domestic safety. This chapter will analyse the safety measures that can be adopted by installers when fitting kitchen furniture as well as other precautions that parents can take to prevent some of the most common danger hazards in the kitchen.
129
1. SAFE KITCHEN FURNITURE INSTALLATION FOR CHILDREN
Correct furniture installation is also indispensable to prevent dangerous accidents that may occur, especially if there are children in the home. Often out of curiosity or because they want to copy adults, children climb onto the furniture which, if it is not firmly anchored to the walls, may capsize onto the children themselves causing serious accidents. On the next pages the importance of correctly installing kitchen furniture will be repeated and the accidents that may occur unless this is done will be clearly illustrated.
131
FIXING BASE UNITS TO THE WALL
PROBLEM
Floor-standing kitchen with base units fitted with drawers and jumbo drawers that are not fixed to the wall. If a child climbs onto open jumbo drawers, the unit may capsize.
132
SOLUTION
Kitchen with base units fixed to the wall using special capsize-prevention brackets. Even if a child climbs onto open jumbo drawers, the units remain firmly anchored to the wall.
FIXING TOWER UNITS TO THE WALL
PROBLEM
The kitchen is fitted with tower units that are not fixed to the wall: if a child should swing on an open door, the tower units may capsize.
SOLUTION
Kitchen with tower units fixed to the wall using special brackets: even if a child should swing on an open door, the tower units will not capsize. To make this easy, all Valcucine’s tower units are fitted with a capsize-prevention device.
133
FIXING THE 8mm BOOKCASE
PROBLEM
Bookcases with their books and objects are a sure attraction for children. They can easily climb onto the bookcase using the shelves as steps to reach objects further up. If a child climbs onto a bookcase that is not properly fixed to the wall (or to the ceiling if the bookcase is two sided), it will probably topple over, emptying all its contents onto the child.
134
SOLUTION
To prevent accidental capsizing of the bookcase it must be fixed to the wall (or to the ceiling, see page 105) using the capsize-prevention device supplied.
FIXING THE FRATAVOLO TABLE TO THE WALL
PROBLEM
If the Fratavolo table without stabilisers is not properly fixed to the wall (or to the equipped back section) it may become unstable, for instance if children play on it, and topple over.
SOLUTION
If the Fratavolo is properly fixed to the wall or fitted with stabilisers at its base to make it more stable it will not overturn even if subjected to stress (see page 89).
135
FIXING THE NEW LOGICA SYSTEM
PROBLEM
The ergonomic New Logica System is very attractive to children because it can store lots of kitchen utensils. If the system is not properly secured to the wall using capsize-prevention brackets, it may topple over if a child climbs onto it to play or to reach objects inside it.
136
SOLUTION
The carcass must be secured to the wall using brackets fixed to the rear uprights and the base units must be fixed to the carcass (see page 92, 93). This way, even if stressed by children playing, the system will remain stable and will not topple over.
FIXING THE BASE UNITS FOR WORK ISLANDS TO THE FLOOR
PROBLEM
The free-standing work islands must be fixed to the floor using the capsize-prevention brackets supplied with the kitchen. This is mandatory to prevent the island from capsizing if children should climb onto open jumbo drawers.
SOLUTION
If the base units of the work island are fixed to the floor by means of the special capsize-prevention brackets the island will not capsize, even if children climb onto open jumbo drawers.
137
FIXING THE WALL PANELLING TO THE WALL
PROBLEM
The wall panelling can be used in many ways and can also be subjected to various loads, including the weight of children that may climb onto its elements.
138
SOLUTION
If the wall panelling is fixed properly it cannot capsize, even if children should climb onto it.
FIXING THE CUPBOARD UNIT WITH SLIDING DOORS TO THE WALL
PROBLEM
If the cupboard unit is not properly fixed to the wall, it may topple over if a child should climb onto the open jumbo drawers.
SOLUTION
To prevent the cupboard unit from toppling over it must be secured to the wall using the capsizeprevention brackets provided that must be fixed to the upright before installing the back panel.
139
WORK ISLAND: FIXING THE BACK SECTION TO THE BASE UNIT
PROBLEM
If the equipped back section is not fixed to the base units it may come away and topple over onto the floor.
140
SOLUTION
As well as standing on sturdy feet, the steel back section must also be anchored to the base units of the kitchen by means of capsize-prevention brackets located on the rear (the same applies to the stone back section, see page 101). This is indispensable to prevent it from capsizing if a child were to climb onto it.
WORK ISLAND: FIXING THE BREAKFAST BAR
PROBLEM
The breakfast bar has been designed to support heavy loads because its project also includes the possibility of a child climbing onto it. If the breakfast bar is not firmly secured onto the equipped back section and a child climbs onto it, it may topple over.
SOLUTION
If a child should climb onto a breakfast bar that is properly fixed to the equipped back section (or to the base units, see page 102) using the capsizeprevention brackets, it will remain firmly anchored and will not topple over.
141
FIXING THE WALL-HUNG BASE UNITS TO THE WALL
PROBLEM
SOLUTION top alum. profile
special Valcucine furniture hanger
Children may climb and play on the wall-hung furniture in the kitchen. The weight of the furniture plus the weight and the stress caused by the child’s movements may result in the unit coming away from the wall and toppling over.
142
It is very important to fix the wall-hung units in the safest way possible, depending on whether the wall is load-bearing (see pages 108, 109) or not (see page 116).The same applies to the wall-hung ovens and to the H12 base units. This way, even if stressed by children playing on it, the unit will not topple over.
FIXING THE WALL-HUNG TOWER UNITS TO THE WALL
PROBLEM
SOLUTION
top alum. profile
steel L-shaped support
Children may even climb onto tower units hanging on the wall. If they are not properly fixed to the wall by means of the specific supports, they may break away and topple over.
alum. supp. foot
The tower units are fixed to the wall using the special profiles and the L-shaped supports. They remain firmly anchored to the wall even if stressed by children climbing onto them.
143
FIXING THE WALL UNITS
SOLUTION
1mm
PROBLEM
If the fixings are not all under tension with the wall unit fixing bars or if the wall unit is resting on the underlying back panel, it may come away from the fixing bar if subjected to stress.
144
The fixings must be adjusted so that they are all under tension with the bars fixed to the wall and so that the weight of the wall unit does not rest on an underlying back panel, if installed. This makes it possible to evenly distribute the weight of the wall unit onto all the fixings used. This way the wall unit will remain firmly anchored to the wall and will not come away even if subjected to stress.
FIXING THE WALL-HUNG DESK TO THE WALL
PROBLEM
The desk is fixed to the wall using unsuitable screw plugs. If stressed by heavy loads or by a child playing on it, it may topple over onto the floor.
SOLUTION
The desk can be fixed to load-bearing walls or to a curtain wall (see page 119). It must be fixed using the special aluminium support and screws and screw plugs suitable for the type of wall. This way, even if stressed by heavy loads, it remains firmly anchored to the wall.
145
146
2. OTHER RISKY SITUATIONS Activities in the kitchen involve the use of gas and electrical appliances as well as dangerous materials such as boiling liquids, toxic, inflammable and caustic substances. We all know that children are very curious and want to explore objects they are not acquainted with and copy adults; moreover, they are less aware of risks and are not ready to react promptly in dangerous situations. The risk increases if basic safety rules are not followed in the home and regarding the appliances used, especially if parents are not always in a position to watch over their children all the time. Adults are often not aware of the fact that commonly used objects and products can become a danger hazard if left at the disposal of children. The most frequent accidents involving children concern traumas caused by furniture or other parts of the home, followed by infants falling down the stairs or from furniture. Other frequent causes of accidents regard poisoning, burns or suffocation by small objects. The types of accidents also vary depending on the age of the child. For instance, 10/12 month old infants are most frequently involved in swallowing objects because this is the age at which children put anything within their grasp in their mouths. Burns are frequent at 10/15 months, i.e. when children start to walk around and touch everything they see. Poisoning caused by medicines and detergents concerns mostly 16/24 month old infants. The topic of accidents must be analysed to learn how to prevent them and to be more prepared to react and make decisions in emergency situations. Some advice is given on the next pages to avoid the danger hazards that may be lurking inside your kitchen.
147
RISKS IN THE KITCHEN
148
THE POSITION OF THE HOB AND SINK
GLASS SURFACES
It is preferable to install the hob near the sink to avoid long walks holding red-hot pots and pans that can become dangerous, especially if children are in the vicinity.
All the glass used in the kitchen (shelves, doors...) must be tempered to make it more resistant to impact and to other types of stress. Moreover, in the event of breakage, this type of glass shatters into safe, blunt pieces.
RISKS IN THE KITCHEN
HOT OVEN DOOR
HOB WITHOUT A SAFETY VALVE
It is preferable to choose one of the latest ovens with a cool-touch door and a tangential fan that guarantees efficient heat insulation. Even when the food is cooking, the doors of these ovens remain cold preventing serious burns.
The hob must have a safety valve that stops the gas flow if the flame does not turn on or if it should accidentally go out.
149
RISKS IN THE KITCHEN
150
DOORS WITH OPENING HOLES
POTS AND PANS ON THE HOB
If doors and drawers are not fitted with handles but have a hole to open them, it is a good idea to check that the hole is not too small. This is to avoid a child from putting his/her finger in the hole and maybe injuring it by moving abruptly.
Pots and pans are very attractive to children. To prevent burns, a hob guard must be placed in front of the hob.
RISKS IN THE KITCHEN
SHARP EDGES
ELECTRIC CURRENT ON OFF
Generally speaking, modern furniture has sharp edges that can become very dangerous for children. The best thing to do is to choose furniture that has doors, handles and knobs with rounded edges; failing this, if you prefer the minimalist look with sharp edges we suggest you apply edge protectors to them.
Install a mains switch that cannot be accessed by children to interrupt the supply of electricity to the oven. Oven knobs attract the attention of children who can easily switch the appliance on accidentally.
151
RISKS IN THE KITCHEN
ELECTRIC CORDS OF SMALL HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES
The electric cords of small household appliances mustn’t be left dangling from the kitchen worktop. A child could easily grab a cord and pull the appliance onto him/herself (for instance, an electric kettle full of boiling hot water).
152
CLOSING JUMBO DRAWERS
Children’s fingers often get trapped between the drawer front and the unit when shutting jumbo drawers; as well as being painful, this can even cause fractures. It is useful to fit a jumbo drawer stop in kitchen base units to prevent them from closing properly and the child from trapping his/ her fingers in them (this safety device has been invented by Valcucine and is currently in the workin-progress stage).
RISKS IN THE KITCHEN
WALL UNITS ABOVE THE HOB
ELECTRIC SOCKETS
A wall units full of objects placed above the hob can become a danger hazard. Its contents may fall onto a pot full of hot water which could capsize onto a child and burn him/her. It’s best to avoid placing any object above the hob that may fall on top of it.
Electric socket holes are very attractive to children. It is very important to install sockets with safety devices or socket covers that prevent children from putting their fingers or small objects in the holes, risking an electric shock.
153
RISKS IN THE KITCHEN
154
DETERGENTS AND MEDICINES
OPENING JUMBO DRAWERS
Detergents are usually placed below the sink, an area easily accessed by children. If you don’t have a safer place to store them in, it is a good idea top put them into a container with a safety lock.
It’s a good idea to fit a locking system on drawers and jumbo drawers to prevent children from opening them. This is a good way of preventing children from reaching the objects stored inside them that are often a danger hazard (detergents, knives, etc.). A lock with a magnet can easily be unlocked by mummy. This device is available in the Valcucine price list.
RISKS IN THE KITCHEN
OVEN AND HOB KNOBS
CURTAINS AND OTHER INFLAMMABLE OBJECTS
A socket inside the equipped back section can be used to supply electricity to the kitchen; it is very handy for the oven because the supply can be cut off by a switch to prevent children from turning the oven on.
It’s best not to install a hob near a window because any draughts coming into the kitchen may turn the flame out while curtains moved by a child or by a draught may catch fire. It’s also sensible to avoid placing inflammable objects (paper, fabrics, liquids) or objects that can be altered by heat or emit harmful substances into the environment near the hob.
155
RISKS IN THE KITCHEN
156
GLASS TABLE EXTENSIONS
WET OR GREASY FLOOR
Baby table seats cannot be attached to a glass table because the baby’s weight and the stress caused by the infant’s movements may damage or break the table.
It’s not uncommon for liquids to be spilled onto a kitchen floor. A good rule to follow is to dry any liquids straight away to prevent slipping on the floor and bumping into nearby objects.
RISKS IN THE KITCHEN
ROCKING ON CHAIRS
RUGS WITHOUT ANTI-SLIP UNDERLAYS
It’s a good idea to teach children not to rock on chairs because they may lose their balance and topple over.
All rugs must be provided with an anti-slip underlay that allows you to walk on it without it moving out of place.
157
Created by: Graphics and illustrations: Cover: Printed by: Our thanks go to:
Gabriele Centazzo Lara Santin Paolo Celotto AGCM, Settembre 2011 Ufficio Tecnico Valcucine, Ufficio Marketing Valcucine, Ufficio Qualità Valcucine, Igor Fantin, Paola Fracassi.
Nell’intenzione di migliorare continuamente il prodotto e la sua sicurezza, Valcucine accetta osservazioni e consigli. Potete contattarci via internet all’indirizzo: info@valcucine.it Valcucine is happy to receive comments and advice to improve its products and increase safety in the kitchen. You can contact us via internet at the following email address: info@valcucine.it Da Valcucine Produkt und Sicherheit ständig verbessern möchte, ist das Unternehmen gerne für Anmerkungen und Empfehlungen offen. Bitte nehmen Sie mit uns Kontakt über info@valcucine.it auf A fin de mejorar de continuo sus productos y la seguridad de éstos, Valcucine acepta observaciones y sugerencias. Pueden contactar con nosotros por internet, a la dirección: info@valcucine.it Valcucine, dont le but est de toujours améliorer ses produits et leur sécurité, accepte vos observations et vos conseils. Vous pouvez nous contacter à l’adresse mail suivante: info@valcucine.it
Valcucine S.p.A. - Via L.Savio, 11 - 33170 (PORDENONE) - ITALY Tel. +39 0434 517911 Fax +39 0434 572344 - www.valcucine.it info@valcucine.it