Safety considerations on the use of microwave energy

The hazards associated with inappropriate use of microwave equipment cannot be entirely prevented by interlocking devices and other safeguards. However, the risk can be minimized if the analyst continually inspects the system to ensure that the equipment is maintained in safe working order. If any portion of the microwave unit such as door seal or vessel casing becomes damaged by a serious event such as an acid spill, prolonged wear or impact, the safety of the equipment should be re-assessed before it is returned to service. 

Other considerations such as the constituent materials of closed vessels and the cautions to be exercised in handling hazardous acids such as HCIO have been addressed in detail throughout this chapter. 

Huan and D. Song, Trends Anal Chem., 18 (1999) 479. 

Kingston and L.B. Jassie, Introduction to Microwave Sample Preparation, ACS Professional Reference Books. Washington, DC (1998). 

Herzberg, Infrared and Raman Spectra, Van Nostrand, New York (1945). 

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