Refrigerator Inspections

Introduction

Date of Last Review 3/16/10

Date of Last Review 10/18/10

Date of Last Review 10/31/11
SME: Infection Control Manager

This topic explains how to perform, document, and report refrigerator inspection.

Guidelines

Follow these guidelines:

Label all food items in the refrigerator with the contents and date

Cover all food items in the refrigerator securely Reason: To prevent spills and/or contamination

Do not store food in refrigerators used for storing medication

Refrigerator log

This information pertains to the refrigerator log for each unit that has a refrigerator:

Each unit:

Develops a rotating schedule for inspecting the unit refrigerator

Maintains a log on its refrigerator to reflect the daily inspection

Each log covers a one-month period

Form

Refrigerator Temperature Log

Frequency

Perform and document a refrigerator inspection each day.

Follow-up: The Infection Control Practitioner makes periodic inspections to ensure that each unit performs daily inspections.

Reporting

Refrigerator logs are archived on the Intranet.

Infection Control Nurse
Nursing Administration
UTHCPC 1D02

Inspecting

Follow these steps to inspect the refrigerator:

Step	Action
1	Note the temperature on the refrigerator thermometer located in the main compartment.
2	Check the contents of the refrigerator and discard the following: Staff are responsible for the contents int the refrigerator and discard accordingly. Milk that has passed the date printed on the container Juice that has passed the date of expiration stamped on the container Custards and puddings that have been in the refrigerator for 24 hours Fruit that is not consumed within 24 hours of being served Any other items that are past their freshness dates
3	Have Housekeeping wipe down the inside and outside of the refrigerator with a clean, damp cloth weekly..
4	Does the freezer have ice build-up? If yes, go to Defrosting the freezer. If no, go to Documenting.

Defrosting the freezer

Follow these steps to defrost the freezer:

Documenting

Follow these steps to document the refrigerator inspection on the refrigerator log as you complete the daily inspection:

Step	Action
1	Make a check mark next to the current date.
2	Enter the current time.
3	Place your signature in the Checked By column.
4	Record the refrigerator temperature.
5	Record the following in the Comments column: Defrosting and/or cleaning activities Temperature above 40° or below 33°F Other comments
6	Did you find any problems with the refrigerator during the inspection? If yes, document the problems in the Comments column and notify your supervisor. Result: S/he initiates corrective action. If no, you have completed the procedure.

Related standards

The Joint Commission : Surveillance, Prevention, and Control of Infection

If you have questions regarding the content of this site please contact the Policy and Procedure Committee. If you experience any technical problems please contact the MIS Department.