THE SCHOOL BOARD OF BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA
SAFETY DEPARTMENT
TELEPHONE (754) 321-4200
FACSIMILE: (754) 321-4287
Microwave Oven Safety Precautions
Microwave Oven Burn Prevention
Properly used, the microwave oven is safe and convenient for heating a variety of foods in a short time. But the microwave
oven can cause serious scald burns if it is used improperly or unsafely.
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Use caution when removing a wrapper or cover from a hot item. Hot steam escaping from the container as the
covering is lifted can cause a burn.
Be careful when heating liquids in the microwave oven. Since the containers may feel only warm, rather than hot,
they are sometimes handled less cautiously, resulting in the splashing or spilling of a scalding liquid.
Cooking eggs in the microwave oven can result in scald burns unless very specific precautions are taken. Check
the microwave oven manual for specific instructions for cooking eggs, squash, potatoes and eggplant.
Unevenly Heated Foods
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Food can heat unevenly in a microwave oven, which can cause serious mouth burns.
The jelly in a jelly-filled pastry may be scalding while the pastry is only warm.
Frozen foods may be cold or only warm in one spot and scalding in another.
When heating foods for a young child, check the temperature by sampling the food before allowing the child to eat
it.
Microwave ovens vary in cooking power. Determine safe heating times and energy settings for your microwave
ovens.
Babies Also At Risk
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Heating baby formula or milk in bottles with disposable plastic liners may be risky because the liner may burst.
Be sure everyone in the home is aware of the risks associated with microwave oven use.
Determine the safe amount of time for heating any food or liquid to be given to a baby. The amount of food or
liquid, the starting temperature (refrigerator or room temperature) and the specific energy setting will all influence
the final temperature of the food or liquid.
Be careful when removing coverings or lids from microwave oven foods. Puncture plastic wrap before heating
foods in the microwave oven.
Read the instructions on food packages. Some manufacturers caution against heating their products in the
microwave oven.
Keep all hot liquids out of children’s reach, and keep children away from the microwave oven and other heating
appliances when removing hot foods.
Use caution and follow directions when popping popcorn in the microwave oven. The vapor produced in the bag
may exceed 180 degrees F.
Using a baby bottle warmer, especially the new models, provide a safer method of heating baby bottles. Be sure
to read and follow the directions very carefully.
Who Should Use the Microwave Oven
As a general rule, only those who have read and understand the directions should use the microwave oven.
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Children under the age of 7 may be a risk, unless they are closely supervised. Even children over 7 must be
properly taught and supervised.
The child’s height is important to consider. Children should be tall enough that their face is not directly in front of
the microwave oven heating chamber when the door is open.
Babysitters, grandparents, and other caregivers should be properly instructed in using your microwave oven
before they prepare food or drinks for young children.
Young children can be seriously scalded as they attempt to remove heated liquids from the microwave oven.