Microwave Oven Safety Guidelines

Do not operate the oven if it is damaged or does not operate properly. It is imperative that the oven door seals properly and that there is no damage to the door seal, hinges, latches, or oven surfaces.

• Ovens used for food preparation must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent biological contamination, fire potential, and door seal damage.
• Ovens used for laboratory applications cannot be used for food preparation. Conversely, food preparation ovens should never be used for other applications.
• Do not use aluminum foil or any metal containers, metal utensils, metal objects, or objects with metal or foil trim in the oven. Such items can cause arcing, damaging the oven and creating a fire or burn hazard.
• Do not heat objects that are sealed as they may explode, damaging the oven and blowing off the door.
• Never heat any flammable or combustible liquid in the oven. A fire and/or explosion may result.
• Be careful when removing containers from the microwave oven. Containers or their contents may be very hot, resulting in burns or spills of hot materials. Containers have been know to explode after tightening the lid following removal from a microwave oven.
• If a fire should start inside the oven, leave the door closed, disconnect the power cord, if safe to do so, and call the emergency number 2222 (6488 2222).
• Never make adjustments to or tamper with any component of the oven. Do not try to perform repairs on your own. The oven operates on high voltage and amperage that can be lethal if improperly handled.
• ARPANSA provides information in the document "Radiation Emissions From Microwave Ovens" on their web site on the use and testing of microwave ovens.  Microwave Ovens are generally very safe and reliable. The guidelines provide limits on their microwave leakage during use to < 50 W/m² at 50mm (5 mW/cm²  at 5cm)from any oven surface.
• Generally speaking, commercially available microwave ovens are very safe and reliable, regardless of the manufacturer.
• If your oven is damaged or you have a reason to believe it may be leaking, please contact the Safety and Health to arrange a survey of the oven.