Microwave Door Safety

The Importance of Microwave Door Safety

• Because microwave ovens use extreme microwave energy to heat items inside the chamber, the door acts as a protective barrier against the heat and the items being cooked. The United States Fire Administration reports that people using microwaves must use extreme care when opening the door as they are being exposed to extreme heat. By following simple safety precautions, microwave users can decrease their chance of receiving injuries.

Types of Injuries

• Different types of injuries can be sustained when operating a microwave door. The United States Fire Administration reports the most common injuries include burns and scalds. Users are also susceptible to fractures or other injuries to their hands and fingers if they slam the microwave door.

Door Positioning

• When finding an appropriate place for your microwave oven, keep in mind the door’s positioning. Microwave doors should be able to open to their fullest extension so that users are able to safely remove hot food from the oven. Doors that are obstructed by objects or other appliances can pose as a safety hazard and increase the chances of becoming burnt or scalded.

Door Height

• The United States Fire Administration states that microwave oven doors should be lower than the face of the person using the appliance. This will reduce the chance that a person’s face can become scalded or burnt. Having your face higher that the oven’s door will also ensure that the microwave will not topple over onto your head and chest area.

Door Safety Mechanism

• Microwave doors are equipped with a built-in safety mechanism that does not allow the microwave to operate when the door is open. If your microwave continues to cook when the door opens, unplug the unit and contact the manufacturer immediately.

  Remember that your microwave may continue to make noise after you have opened the door. This does not necessarily mean that the microwave is continuing to operate. The microwave’s fan may continue to run after the door is open so that the unit is cooled to a safe level.