ServSafe Manager Facilities and Equipment Summary

An imminent health hazard is a significant threat that requires immediate correction or closure. Examples include a sewage backup, interruption of water service, power outages, fire, and serious pest infestations. Stop service and notify the regulatory authority.

Wrong choices

• A burned-out light bulb in the dining room: A single burned-out bulb in the dining room is not an imminent health hazard.
• A torn menu: A torn menu is not a health hazard.
• A full dumpster with its lid closed: A closed dumpster is not an imminent hazard, although it should be emptied.

A handwashing station must have hot and cold running water, soap, a way to dry hands (paper towels or a hand dryer), a garbage container if paper towels are used, and signage telling employees to wash hands.

Wrong choices

• A cutting board: Cutting boards belong in prep areas, not at handwashing sinks.
• A bowl of sanitizer for dipping hands: Dipping hands in sanitizer is not a handwashing station requirement.
• A food thermometer: Thermometers are not required at handwashing sinks.

Backflow is the reverse flow of contaminants through a cross-connection into the drinkable water supply. An air gap (air space between the water outlet and the flood rim of a sink) is the only completely reliable way to prevent backflow. Vacuum breakers and other devices can also be used.

Wrong choices

• A hose attached to the faucet: A hose can cause backflow; it does not prevent it.
• A vacuum breaker only in some cases: Vacuum breakers are mechanical devices that can fail. The only completely reliable method is an air gap.
• A drain screen: A drain screen catches food, but does not prevent backflow.

A cross-connection is a physical link through which contaminants from drains, sewers, or other wastewater can enter a drinkable water supply. A hose left in a mop bucket is a common example.

Wrong choices

• A connection between two refrigerators: That is not a plumbing cross-connection.
• Electrical wiring that crosses a water pipe: This is not the plumbing meaning.
• A pipe that carries only clean water between two sinks: A clean water line alone is not a cross-connection.

Acidic food can react with metals such as zinc (in galvanized containers), copper, and pewter, causing toxic metal poisoning, a chemical hazard. Use only containers made for food.

Wrong choices

• The container will make the sauce too cold: Container metal does not change holding temperature this way.
• The sauce will taste sweeter: Taste is not the concern.
• Galvanized containers are too heavy to lift: Weight is not the food safety reason.

An interruption of water service is an imminent health hazard. Without water, staff cannot wash hands or clean and sanitize. Stop service, notify the regulatory authority, and follow the emergency plan.

Wrong choices

• Continue cooking but skip handwashing: Handwashing cannot be skipped.
• Use water from a garden hose: Hose water may not be safe drinking water.
• Serve only cold food: Without water, staff cannot wash hands or clean, so service must stop.

Outdoor garbage containers should have tight-fitting lids and be kept closed. Place them on a smooth, durable, nonabsorbent surface such as concrete.

Wrong choices

• Open so trash can air out: Open containers attract pests.
• Next to the back door with no lid: No lids attract pests and odors near the building.
• Inside the walk-in cooler: Garbage must never be stored with food.

Food establishments must use drinkable (potable) water from an approved source, such as an approved public water system or a private well that is regularly tested.

Wrong choices

• Water from an untested private well: Private wells must be tested and approved.
• Rainwater collected in a barrel: Collected rainwater is not an approved source.
• Water from a nearby stream: Stream water is not safe drinking water.

If a light bulb breaks, glass can fall into food and become a physical hazard. Bulbs in prep and storage areas should have protective shields or shatter-resistant coatings.

Wrong choices

• To make the light brighter: Shields do not make the light brighter.
• To save energy: Saving energy is not the food safety reason.
• To keep the bulbs cool: Cooling the bulbs is not the reason.

A hose left in a mop bucket, sink, or drain can create a cross-connection and let dirty water flow back into the drinkable water supply. Hang hoses up after use.

Wrong choices

• Left in a mop bucket: A hose in a bucket can pull dirty water back into the water supply.
• Left running in a sink: A hose sitting in a sink can create a cross-connection.
• Left lying in a floor drain: A hose in a drain can pull dirty water back into the water line.