An Incident to Learn From

In an organization, an employee was reheating food wrapped in aluminium foil in the microwave. Smoke from the heated aluminium foil triggered a nearby smoke detector when the microwave was opened and the central alarm system in the building was activated. The microwave was later shut to contain the smoke and the building was evacuated. There were no injuries.

Lessons Learnt

• Ensure that only microwave safe materials are used to reheat materials in the microwave. Do not use materials like aluminium foil, cold storage plastic, metals, foam insulated containers etc
• Ensure that the microwave is clean and free from food residue prior to use.
• Foods like boiled egg, noodles, sausages, hot dogs, potatoes etc should not be heated in the microwave as they could explode due to internal pressure build up
• If smoke is emitted when using a microwave, turn off the power source and remove the plug. Air the room, if possible. Do not open the microwave until it is cool.

Stay safe as we trust God to keep us.