Explain the proper installation, use, and maintenance of equipment.

Installation and Design

The NC Division of Environmental Health, has posted Guidelines for the Installation and Design of North Carolina Food Establishments on their Web site. This technical reference is intended to provide guidance and assistance to food establishment operators comply with NC requirements as well as with nationally recognized food safety standards. It includes information about design, installation, and construction of food equipiment and facilities.

Cleaning of Surfaces

Acoustical Tile -- loose dirt or dust can be removed with a vacuum or soft brush. A gum eraser will remove most smudges. Soft chalk can cover many stains. More thorough cleaning can be accomplished with wallpaper cleaners or mild soap cleaners. Care must be taken to avoid excessive water and abrasive rubbing action. A soft sponge is the best cleaning tool.
Aluminum -- Mild solution of detergent (avoid common alkalies as they can dull the finish). Fine abrasive may be used periodically. Rub in one direction, never in a circle.
Asphalt Tile -- Mild solution of a neutral synthetic detergent or soap, rinse with clean water, and dry immediately either with a mop or a wet/dry vacuum.
Bamboo, cane, reed wicker, rattan -- Wash with a mild solution of soap or synthetic detergent, rinse with clean water and dry. Periodic shellacing will maintain a natural finish.
Brass -- Clean wsith acidic-type brass cleaners and polishes. Lacquered brass may be washed with a mild solution of a synthetic detergent, rinsed, and wiped dry.
Bronze -- Clean with a metal cleaner or polish applied with a soft cloth and work with the grain cleaning a limited area at a time. Lacquered finishes may be washed with a mild solution of a detergent, rinsed and wiped dry. Statuary finishes should be maintained by periodic rubbing with lemon oil on a soft cloth followed by a brisk rubbing with a clean soft cloth to remove the excess oil.
Ceramic Tile --- Neutral soap or detergent applied with a sponge, mop, or brush depending on the stain, remove excess cleaning solution, rinse with clean water, and thoroughly dry the surface. Avoid alkalis, salts, acids, and abrasive cleaners as they tend to break down the surfaces of glazed and vitreous tiles and cause problems with the porous cement grout. Some soap cleaners tend to build up a film.
Chromium -- Avoid harsh polishes and powders. A damp cloth is usually sufficient plus a dry cloth for polishing. Mild detergent may be used, followed by a dry cloth for polishing.
Concrete --As soon as the floor can be used, it should be swept clean and a dust seal applied, old concrete should be thoroughly cleaned and also sealed. Concrete floors can be swept with treated mops, damp mopped with a mild solution or scrubbed with a stronger solution and excess solution picked up with a squeegee and/or wet vacuum. Never use acids as concrete is soluble in acid solutions.
Copper -- Wash with a solution of soap and water, rinse and dry. Stains and corrosion may be removed with metal polishes; always wash thoroughly if acid solutions are used in order to avoid excessive tarnishing.
Cork Tile -- Avoid excessive water. Sweeping with a treated mop and buffing are the best ways to maintain; however, water is needed and should be used with a mild solution or soap or detergent and picked up immediately with a vacuum. Sealed cork floors are preferred as they protect and retain the light and natural colors of the cork.
Glass -- Wash glass with a 5% solution of ammonia in clean water.
Granite -- Polished granite can be washed with detergents or applied poultices; unpolished granite with water and sand cleaning not to exceed 50 psi.
Iron -- Wash with a soap or synthetic detergent, rinse, and dry. Rust can be removed with steel wool, soaked in kerosene. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
Leather Furniture -- Wash with neutral soap or saddle soap. Leather trappings should be treated with neat's food oil to prevent drying and cracking.
Linoleum -- Wash with a mild detergent, rinse with clear water, remove water and dry as rapidly as possible, avoid alkaline solutions.
Magnesite -- Avoid excessive use of water, wash with a neutral detergent and remove solution with a wet vacuum. Do not use acids or alkaline cleaners.
Marble -- Newly installed marble is best cleaned by using clean water and clean rags. Marble that has been soiled or stained through neglect will have to be cleaned with the poultice method using a powdered abrasive cleaner and hot water. Acids should never be used to clean marble. Only mildly alkaline synthetic detergent should be used, washing from the bottom up and rinsing thoroughly either with chamois or soft cloths to dry the surface and prevent streaking.
Masonry -- Brick, cement block, cinder block, stone, and stucco are all very porous and hold moisture; steam cleaning with detergent or water and sand cleaning under low pressure may be required. Interior work may be vacuumed with heavy duty commercial-type machines.
Oil Paintings -- Dust very lightly with a soft dusting brush using extreme care. Never use water or cleaners.
Painted Surfaces -- Spot removal can be accomplished with neutral detergents on a rag and dried immediately. Wall washing or complete washing should be done under controlled conditions.
Pewter -- Wash in a neutral detergent solution, rinse, and dry using a soft cloth. Commercial silver polishes can be used for stains or browning.
Porcelain -- A solution of detergent that is on the alkaline side, avoid acids as they dissolve the surface and cause blemishes.
Rubber Tile -- Use a mild detergent, rinse, and remove water promptly.
Slate -- Wash with a synthetic detergent, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
Stainless Steel -- Wash with a solution of soap or detergent, rinse, thoroughly, and dry using a sponge or soft cloth. For heavier dirt and deposits that require scrubbing, there are numerous approved products; always rinse and dry, making sure to rub with the grain.
Terra Cotta -- Wash with a neutral detergent.
Terrazzo -- Only neutral detergents should be used, avoid alkaline cleaners as they cause spotting; stains can be removed by the poultice method. Avoid sweeping compounds containing oil or wax; acids will dissolve the marble chips, soaps tend to build surface films.
Vinyl -- Use a neutral detergent, rinse well, and dry with a wet vacuum.
Wood -- Wood floors must be sealed if they are to be maintained properly. Some of the soft woods can be seriously damaged by strong solutions of soap and water; oils, grease, and strong alkalis are also harmful. Avoid excessive use of water and always remove the water as rapidly as possible. Dust mopping and damp mopping sealed floors is usually all that is necessary if a regular maintenance program is followed.