Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Servsafe Classes For Hospitality Employees

By Jerri Perry


Every food service worker or manager should be aware of Servsafe classes. They are excellent training grounds for all individuals who work around alcohol or food preparation. The National Restaurant Association sponsors these to standardize and regulate proper procedures to be followed by all employees in this ever-changing and competitive business.

Managers and supervisors can learn how to teach staff current regulations and the right procedures in the effective handling of food and beverages. This is necessary for line employees to help the venue become successful, profitable and reputable. Knowing how dangerous alcohol can be when over served and maintaining an environment of safety and caution will keep the company from risk and liability.

Knowing which course to take is the first step in your education. If you are an owner, a manager or supervisor, management training is perfect for your educational needs. You will learn how to train employees on proper sanitation and cleaning methods, the dangers of food borne illnesses, temperature controls and necessary equipment, personal hygiene for staff members, and pertinent food safety regulations.

Hourly employees may benefit from a food handler's certification. This course teaches the basics of cleaning and sanitation, food safety, and cross contamination prevention. Studying the effects of allergens and the impact they have on customers is becoming more important - precautions must be taken so guests do not have a reaction to foods that they are allergic to.

Staff who tend bar or serve drinks can learn alcohol training to protect themselves and the business from risk and liability and assure the safety of patrons. The course includes basics of checking identification, how to discern if an individual is inebriated, how to become proactive when someone begins to drink heavily, and what the laws and regulations concerning responsibility and liability state.

All of these classes can be taken online if they are not available in your location or time is an issue in attending. Often restaurant supply companies will sponsor these events at a very reasonable price. Many employers strongly agree that their employees need to be trained and protected and will provide the time and may even pick up the tab for the education.

A test will be given at the end of each course to ensure that the students have understood the concepts and materials. You have to have a passing grade to become certified or you will not pass the class. Your supervisor or human resources office may wish to keep a copy of this certification in your file to help protect the company in the case of an incident.

Food service professionals everywhere will benefit from Servsafe classes. Managers, front line kitchen personnel, bartenders and servers will find that there is a course designed specifically for their career and educational needs. Having this certification on your resume - or your wall - shows that you care about your customers and the business you work for.




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