7 Safety Tips for Working with Food Service Chemicals

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September 15, 2022

Keeping a commercial kitchen sanitized is one of the best ways to protect your staff and customers from food-borne illnesses. Unfortunately, the chemicals used to clean and sanitize can also pose a threat to restaurant workers. Common chemicals used for cleaning and sanitation can cause injury if they’re not used correctly. That’s why having proper cleaning protocols in place is essential for keeping employees safe in the kitchen.

ATECH works with businesses in Nashville to provide them with essential food service chemicals for their restaurant or commercial kitchen. Part of our role is also to help managers and chefs implement best practices for using these chemicals in their kitchens. We’ve put together a few tips on safely storing and using food service chemicals in your commercial kitchen.

Make sure your food service chemicals are properly stored away from any food prep areas.

Figuring out how to properly store supplies can be a challenge for many restaurants, especially in tight kitchen spaces. But, chemicals not being stored safely is a top 5 health violation. Here are a few tips for properly storing your cleaning supplies:

Be sure to store chemicals in their original, closed containers.
Make sure all chemicals are stored in a secure and dry location, preferably in a closet or cabinet that separates them from your food area.
Make sure to have a Material Safety Data Sheet for each chemical and that all spray bottles are labeled.
Storing liquid chemicals on lower shelves can help avoid the risk of spills.

Remember to store non-compatible chemicals separately.

Chemicals such as bleach and ammonia can create a poisonous gas if mixed. It’s important to store products with these chemicals separately to minimize this risk. Making sure your bottles are properly labeled can also help you keep employees safe. The label should clearly state the contents of the spray bottle or container and list the hazards of the chemicals inside.

Create a standard procedure that every employee follows for cleaning.

The best way to keep your kitchen clean and employees safe is to establish and practice standards that employees stick with every day. These procedures should cover tasks that need to be carried out daily, weekly, monthly, and even hourly, depending on your specific needs. With staff turnover in the kitchen, revisiting these standards on a regular basis will help ensure compliance and safety.

Use automated chemical dispensers.

Automatic dispensers can help reduce employee exposure to commercial kitchen chemicals. These dispensers help ensure the proper chemical concentration by only dispensing the amount needed.

Provide PPE for employees while they’re cleaning.

Employees should be equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) to help minimize the risk when working with food service chemicals. Common PPE for commercial kitchen employees includes gloves and aprons.

Train employees on proper cleaning techniques with food service chemicals.

Training employees on potential kitchen issues is one of the best ways to avoid accidents of any kind. Taking the time to train employees during orientation can help keep employees and customers safe. All trainings should help employees understand how to correctly use cleaning supplies and how to react in case of spills or contamination.

At ATECH, we can conduct proper usage and product application training for your staff if needed.

Utilize a preventative maintenance program.

The more buy-in your staff has when it comes to managing your kitchen, the more likely they’ll be to keep your kitchen safe and clean. Following a regular preventative maintenance plan for your commercial kitchen can eliminate a lot of the guesswork when it comes to keeping your kitchen clean and operating at peak efficiency.

Looking for Food Service Chemicals for Your Commercial Kitchen?

At ATECH, we offer a wide variety of chemical and equipment solutions for your food service needs in Nashville, including dishwasher soap, counter sanitizers, floor cleaners, degreasers, and disinfectants. Contact our team today to learn how we can equip your restaurant with the best cleaning solutions for your kitchen.

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Spring into Cleanliness: Essential Tips for Restaurant Spring Cleaning

By markl • March 20, 2024

As the season changes and springtime blooms, it's the perfect opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate your restaurant space. Spring cleaning isn't just about tidying up; it's about ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for your patrons and staff. In this blog post, we'll explore some essential tips and best practices for restaurant cleanliness in the springtime. Embrace Deep Cleaning : Spring cleaning is the ideal time to tackle those deep cleaning tasks that may have been neglected during the busier seasons. From scrubbing floors and walls to deep cleaning kitchen equipment, thorough sanitation ensures a hygienic environment for food preparation and service. Focus on High-Traffic Areas : Pay special attention to high-traffic areas such as dining areas, restrooms, and entryways. These areas are prone to accumulating dirt, dust, and germs, making regular cleaning essential for maintaining a pristine appearance and preventing the spread of illness. Refresh Outdoor Spaces : If your restaurant has outdoor seating areas, spring is the perfect time to freshen them up. Clean outdoor furniture, sweep away debris, and power wash outdoor surfaces to create an inviting atmosphere for al fresco dining. Check and Replace Equipment Filters : Don't forget to inspect and replace filters in HVAC systems, refrigeration units, and ventilation hoods. Clean filters help maintain air quality and prevent the buildup of contaminants, ensuring a healthy indoor environment for both customers and staff. Engage Staff in Cleaning Initiatives : Encourage staff members to take pride in the cleanliness of the restaurant by involving them in spring cleaning initiatives. Assign specific tasks and provide training on proper cleaning procedures to ensure consistency and effectiveness. Implement Regular Maintenance Schedule : Establish a regular maintenance schedule to keep up with cleaning tasks throughout the year. By incorporating daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning routines, you can maintain a high standard of cleanliness and prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime. Invest in Quality Cleaning Products : Choose cleaning products that are effective yet environmentally friendly. Look for products that are certified as safe for use in foodservice establishments and follow manufacturer recommendations for proper application and usage. Monitor and Adjust Cleaning Protocols : Continuously monitor cleaning protocols and adjust as needed based on feedback, customer traffic, and changing regulations. Regular evaluation ensures that your cleaning practices remain effective and in compliance with industry standards. Spring cleaning is an essential aspect of restaurant maintenance that goes beyond just aesthetics. By implementing thorough cleaning routines, engaging staff members, and investing in quality cleaning products, you can create a safe, hygienic environment that enhances the dining experience for your customers and promotes a healthy work environment for your staff. As you embark on your spring cleaning journey, remember that ATECH is here to support you with a wide range of cleaning and maintenance solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of your restaurant. Happy spring cleaning!

Mastering Winter with ATECH: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses

By markl • January 26, 2024

Winter is here, and at ATECH, we understand the unique challenges businesses face in keeping their commercial equipment running smoothly during the colder months. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the strategies, tips, and success stories that can help your business navigate winter effortlessly. From equipment maintenance to emergency services, consider this your go-to resource for mastering winter with ATECH. Winter Equipment Maintenance Tips Checklist for Winter-Ready Equipment: Inspect Seals and Gaskets : Ensure a tight seal to prevent cold air leakage. Check Insulation : Evaluate the insulation of walk-in coolers and freezers. Clean and Sanitize : Thoroughly clean and sanitize all equipment surfaces. Temperature Adjustment : Set optimal winter temperatures for each piece of equipment. ATech Maintenance Tips for Different Equipment: Fryers and Grills : Clean and inspect burners for efficient operation. Ice Machines : Check water lines for insulation and replace filters regularly. Heating Systems : Schedule preventive maintenance to optimize efficiency. Electronic Equipment : Keep spaces well-heated and clean to prevent malfunctions. Businesses often grapple with specific equipment failures that can disrupt operations. ATECH understands the challenges posed by heating system malfunctions, electronic equipment performance, and other issues during the colder months. To tackle these common winter-related failures, businesses should prioritize preventive measures. Regular heating system maintenance checks and air filter replacements can prevent malfunctions. For electronic equipment, maintaining ambient room temperature and conducting routine cleaning are key strategies to ensure optimal performance throughout winter. ATECH's Winter Services: A Lifeline for Your Business Winter demands a proactive approach to equipment maintenance, and ATECH stands as the lifeline for businesses navigating the challenges of the season. Our comprehensive winter services go beyond mere repair and include prompt equipment repairs, planned maintenance, and emergency services. With a commitment to same-day service for urgent winter emergencies, ATECH ensures that businesses can rely on swift resolution during critical times. What sets us apart is our team of factory-trained and CFESA-certified technicians, offering not just reliability but a dedicated partnership to keep your business running smoothly through the coldest months. Trust in ATECH, your lifeline in the winter business landscape. Winter doesn't have to be a season of uncertainty for your business. With ATECH by your side, you have a reliable partner dedicated to providing top-notch equipment repairs and maintenance services. Master winter with confidence, knowing that our comprehensive guide and expert services are here to support your business every step of the way. For personalized winter readiness assessments and expert guidance, contact ATECH today. Let's navigate winter together, and keep your business thriving.