Compass UK & Ireland
Workplace Safety Management System
What are the hazards and how might they harm? Safety Task Card
Use of microwave ovens STCGE 01
Burns/scalds from Burns/scalds from contact with
Unit Managers – use page overleaf to list any hazards and control measures specific to your site which are not listed below
contact with hot surfaces hot food, hot liquids and steam,
eruption of superheated foods
Safe System of Work
Ignition of overheated
1. Microwaves should be on a stable and level surface, with good ventilation and not above eye level.
Slip injuries from spillages
food or other flammable 2. Always follow any instructions provided with the equipment, especially for food with a high sugar
items
or fat content.
3. Use oven cloths or gloves when handling hot food or containers.
4. Only use microwaveable food containers in microwave ovens.
Electric shock or burns from incorrect
use or damaged/faulty equipment 5. Do not use metal containers or metal utensils in the microwave oven.
6. If food is covered with food-film or cling film, the film should be pierced to allow steam to escape
during heating.
What PPE should the individual wear? 7. Whole eggs and sealed containers should not be heated in this oven.
8. Food with skin, such as potatoes, apples and sausages, should be pierced before heating.
9. If hot water is likely to have collected on the top of any container lid or cover, the container should
be tilted slightly away from the body before removing it from the microwave oven.
Wear PPE as prescribed in the Task Card for the cleaning chemical 10. When heating liquids and liquefied foods, the microwave oven should be stopped halfway
you are using. This is likely to include gloves and goggles. through the heating process and the food or liquid should be stirred to prevent super-heated
pockets from developing.
What other precautions should be taken? 11. Clean up spillages as they occur and use wet floor warning signs when appropriate.
Clean up any spillages immediately
If you have any concerns, stop and speak with your line manager before proceeding.
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Compass UK & Ireland
Workplace Safety Management System
Safety Task Card
Use of microwave ovens continued STCGE 01
List any additional hazards or risks you have identified and control measures required to manage these.
