Stepping into Management Knowledge

Equipment Safety

4.17

Do not leave the machine unattended whilst cleaning, ensure all team members are aware cleaning is in progress. Use a label if neccessary

Descaling the Espresso Coffee Machine

EXPLAIN TO THE TEAM: After extended use the coffee machine will build up lime scale in the boiler. This will extend the brew time of your machine, reduce the quality of the coffee you are serving, and can lead to overheating which will damage the machine. To ensure this doesn’t happen the machine should be descaled on a regular basis using the company nominated de-scaler:  Switch water supply off  Prepare the descaling mixture according to Manufacturers guidelines  Place the mixture into the water tank  Ensure there is no coffee pods in the handles  Turn on the machine and run the solution through the steam wand and group heads, this will clean the internal parts  Turn off machine and leave for 20 minutes  Place handles and wand cover in hot soapy water and wash thoroughly  Leave for 20 minutes and run more water through  Run solution every 20 minutes until tank is empty  Switch water supply on  Refill tank with plain water and run through until it no longer tastes sour  Wipe down the machine with a clean green cloth and sanitiser spray allowing a 1 minute contact time. Do not leave the machine unattended whilst cleaning, ensure all team members are aware cleaning is in progress. Use a label if neccessary ASK QUESTION TO GROUP: What must you use to clean and descale the coffee machine? CONFIRM CORRECT ANSWER:  Clean – company approved sanitiser, coffee machine cleaner, clean green cloth  De-scaler ASK QUESTION TO GROUP: Why is it important to run cold clean water through the machine?  Place an empty cup under the steam wand  Run water through until the cup is filled  Turn the machine off

CONFIRM CORRECT ANSWER:  To ensure no chemicals remain

Safety Tip with the espresso coffee machine

 The machine contains a small boiler with steam under pressure – there is a pressure dial and the needle should always be in the green area, if the needle is in the red area there is a problem and the machine should be switched off immediately– there is a small chance the boiler may explode.  The boiler has a safety valve so if you see steam coming from anywhere other than the steam arm this is a sign the boiler is overpressure and must be turned off immediately  For the above situations a service engineer must be called - never attempt a repair yourself.

Conclude the training exercise by allowing the trainees to practice cleaning the coffee machine

Safety Assurance March 2016

Equipment Safety 4.17