Food safety is an important topic for restaurants, groceries, and food distributors. This is where HVAC/R technicians come in. With the expertise of HVAC/R technicians, our food is safe to store or consume. So, what is the importance of temperature in food safety?
What is the Importance of Temperature in Food Safety?
By controlling the temperature of the food, you can control the level of bacteria that can spoil food or cause illness. Heat above 140oF kills bacteria, whereas cold temperatures slow down the growth of bacteria. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service is responsible for the refrigeration and safety of food that people consume.
Refrigeration slows bacterial growth. Although it exists everywhere, bacteria should not be present in the food we consume. Bacteria can grow rapidly with the right nutrients, moisture, and temperature. It is important to keep food stored at temperatures below 40o Fahrenheit.
How Can HVAC/R Technicians Help?
During your education in HVAC/R, you will learn how to properly install, maintain, and repair refrigeration technologies. During this program, you will take a class called “Fundamentals of Refrigeration.”
During this class, you are introduced to refrigerants and the refrigeration cycle. You will also learn about the many tools that you will use to maintain and repair refrigeration technology. These tools include manifold gauge set, vacuum pumps, service wrenches, charging, and recovery equipment. At the end of the class, you will be ready to take the EPA 608 certification.
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HVAC/R technicians learn how to provide precise control over the temperature of refrigeration, enabling restaurants, grocers, and manufacturers to maintain the ideal conditions for processing, storage and food safety. It is important for HVAC/R technicians to consider the refrigeration systems must ensure perishable goods remain within the target temperature range to protect them from spoilage and contamination.
What is the EPA 608 Certification?
The Environmental Production Agency (EPA) requires HVAC/R technicians that are handling refrigerants to get certified. HVAC/R technicians must pass an EPA-approved exam to earn their Section 608 Technician Certification.
Final Thoughts
It is up to HVAC/R technicians to install, maintain and repair refrigeration systems to keep food at safe levels for human consumption. If you want to learn more about HVAC/R, let The Refrigeration School help you prepare for a career in HVAC. Then you can help keep consumers’ food safe. It’s a sort of superpower.
HVAC/R Program
Ready to train for a new career within HVAC in Phoenix? Because HVAC is a hands-on job, technical training is typically required for anyone to enter this field. Many people decide to invest in a trade program to learn the trade skills they need to be safe and effective as a professional. To learn more about our HVAC program offered at the Phoenix, AZ campus contact us at The Refrigeration School, or call 1-888-671-5803.
*According to BLS data Arizona is expected to grow 31% by 2030 for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (499021) http://data.bls.gov/oes.
** According to BLS data Arizona employed 7,950 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (499021) through May 2021 http://data.bls.gov/oes.
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