Interruption of Electrical Services

Special from the Webster Board of Health:

The past year has proved to be a difficult year with natural disasters. Webster came close to being hit by a tornado, affected by Hurricane Irene and dumped on by a Nor’easter in October. With natural disasters come power outages. What should the person-in-charge do when food establishment’s electrical service has been interrupted for 2 hours or more?

1. Note the date and time of the interruption in electrical service.

2. Assess the affected operations.

3. Immediately notify the Health Department.

4. Implement the appropriate emergency procedures approved by the Health Department or remain closed until granted approval to re-open by the Health Department.

5. In an event when contact with the Health Department is not possible, immediately discontinue operations if a safe operation cannot be maintained using alternate procedures.

Alternative procedures during an interruption of electrical services that can be taken to address specific affected food operations during an extended interruption of electrical service such as;

1. Refrigeration.

2. Monitor and record food temperatures every 2 hours.

3. Keep refrigeration doors closed.

4. Pack potentially hazard food in commercially made ice or dry ice.

5. Do not put hot food in refrigeration equipment.

If the 2 hours passed and alternate procedures were not implemented;

1. Discard raw animal/potentially hazard foods that were in the cooking or re-heating process but did not reach a safe final temperature.

2. Discontinue cooking operations

Dishwashing equipment used for cleaning and sanitizing utensils and tableware that is no longer operational may result in contamination of food contact surfaces, therefore alternate procedures include;

1. Use of three bay compartment sink if hot water is still available

2. Use single-service tableware

3. Discontinue operations that generate soiled utensils/tableware

When recovery is restored, the key areas to consider for returning to normal operations are;

1. Electrical, potable water, and/or gas services have been fully restored

2. All equipment and facilities are operating properly including: lighting, refrigeration (back to operating temperature of 41°F and below), hot holding, ventilation, water supply, sewage pumps, hot water heaters, toilet facilities, warewashing machines and hand washing facilities.

3. Food contact services, equipment and utensils cleaned and sanitized prior to resuming food-handling operations. This includes ice bins in ice machines where ice has melted during the interruption.

4. Flush all water lines, change filter, etc.

Please contact the Health Department if there are any questions regarding interruption of electrical services.