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Owning a food-service business is hard work.

I recently received an e-mail from a wheelchair-using chef who is opening his first caf‚. He asked what the remodeling contractors should do to make the kitchen wheelchair-accessible and safe. As I was writing my response, I realized many of the tricks I used would be applicable to every chef - at home or in a professional setting.

Buying appropriate professional equipment will save time and effort. Countertops, no higher than needed to get a wheelchair underneath, are essential. Too high, and your shoulders could suffer permanent damage. Too low damages the cervical area.

Consider pull-out shelving in the fridge, storage areas and freezer. Use upright freezers or a walk-in. Check local newspapers for used restaurant equipment. Sometimes nearly brand-new equipment can be found at bargain prices.

Access Inc. sells stove tops, sinks and storage shelves using hydraulics to lower and raise the items to the user's preferred height. They will save years of pain. The company also has more items to help build an accessible bathroom with a shower.

Place utensils and saucepans on hanging hooks or racks set against a wall, instead of suspended from the ceiling. This gives you convenience and keeps others from getting black eyes or lumps on the head. Stack essential equipment beside work stations, freeing up counter space and providing room underneath.

Reflecting mirrors installed over the stove and main work tables allow you to look inside pots and such, instead of having to hoist yourself up on arm rests. Use armrests to avoid accidentally rolling too close to hot ovens and burning yourself. Protect legs and feet with an asbestos-lined, extra-long apron. Have one made for you or make one yourself.

Sew an extension, from your hips to your feet, onto a regular chef's apron. Make sure the extension can be wrapped around the bottom of your feet and cover your legs. Spills and getting too close to an oven are easy when you're busy. Get extra-long oven mitts.

Try not to lift anything over 5 pounds - even if you can do it. The reason? Your arms are already doing the work of your legs, which they aren't built for, and something as simple as reaching and turning could result in damage to the shoulders, neck, arms, hands and upper back.

As for washing dishes and gear - have an assistant do it. I found the preparation of ingredients is tedious and can put quite a strain on your upper back if done alone or for long periods.

Ask food and supply purveyors to deliver right to your storage areas instead of to the back door. This will save man-hours and lower injury possibilities.

"Universal design" should be the standard for all new homes and remodels. Making a kitchen disability-friendly makes cooking easier for everyone.