Page 68 - Life Happens in the Kitchen

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CONSIDER THE OPTIONS
Physical Plant
Learn about your state’s engineering services section requirements for neighborhood or household dietary and serving kitchens; each state is different, but all are expanding in their appreciation for the need to bring dining closer to the residents. Specific to MN, the Engineering Services Section have detailed the exact design of neighborhood kitchens as different from the central dietary kitchen. They have outlined a waiver process for establishing compliance with very specific expectations for serving kitchens, types 1 and 2 are for dietary kitchens, types 1 through 4. Each details the approved use of the kitchen including the type of meal preparation allowed, the number of residents to be served by the kitchen, the physical plant considerations including separation of food preparation and dish washing areas, the type of equipment, and the grade and approval for equipment.
Some states limit the use of range tops, but allow ovens in neighborhood or household kitchens. Some disallow regular ovens while others allow them; some limit the type
of dishwashers to be used in the neighborhood or household kitchen. Some require
ice makers, others restrict them. It is imperative that you work closely with your state licensing agencies to ensure successful renovations. You must also adhere to state building codes.
The Federal Life Safety Code and separate state interpretations also control the use of cooking equipment in the long term care environment. Be aware that in some cases, Life Safety Code considerations may be more limiting than building code or licensing standards.
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