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Hot Beverage Safety
Coffee, tea, hot chocolate and other hot beverages are usually served at
temperatures greater than 160ºF (71ºC). Liquid at this temperature can cause
third-degree burns on contact with human skin. Beverage servers may be liable
for burns caused by accidental beverage spills. Here are a few recommendations
for safely serving hot beverages.
General
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Regulate the temperature of hot beverages.
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Monitor brewing and holding temperatures.
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Protect customers from spills when pouring beverages.
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Use cups, mugs or other containers that are appropriate for hot beverages.
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Do not overfill containers.
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Promptly assist customers who are harmed by beverage spills.
Take-Away Service
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Locate beverage dispensers behind service counters away from customers.
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Cap take-out beverage containers before giving them to customers.
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Place filled containers directly on the service counter; don’t hand them
directly to customers.
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Provide trays or other carriers for multiple cups to avoid stacking.
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When serving children, make sure they can carry the containers easily.
Table Service
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Inspect the serving pitcher for defects before bringing it to the table.
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Place the cup to be filled on a table or tray before pouring the beverage;
never pour hot beverages while the customer is holding the cup.
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Do not reach over people to pour.
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Set down filled cups away from the table edge and in front of the customer.
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Never place hot beverages within reach of a young child.
Self-Service Beverage Stations
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Inspect pots and carafes for loose handles, cracks or other defects.
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Set beverage holding and dispensing equipment back from counter edges.
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Provide lids for customer use.
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Clean up leaks and spills to reduce accident hazards.
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Remind customers of the hazards of hot beverages.
COPYRIGHT ©2002, ISO Services Properties, Inc.
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