Safety Training for Food Service Employees

Find out how to get required and recommended safety training for food service workers at UC San Diego.

Food preparation and dining services is an enormous undertaking at UC San Diego. Occupational hazards include temperature extremes, sharp knives and machinery, slippery floors, and ergonomic risks — all in an environment that requires careful attention to sanitation and public health.

Supervisor responsibilities

Individual supervisors must identify job-specific hazards and make sure their employees attend required and recommended safety training for the type of work they perform.

• Required

  • Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)
  • Food Handlers Certification
  • Food Safety Manager Certification
  • How to Maintain a Healthy Back

• Recommended

  • Dealing with Emergencies
  • UC Driver Responsibilities
  • Ergonomics for Food Service Employees
  • Fire Extinguisher Training

Required

Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)

Required for all employees receiving compensation from UC San Diego. You need to attend only once in your career. This is instructor-led training.

How to get training:

• Complete the Safety Orientation - Injury and Illness Prevention eCourse on UC Learning Center.

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Food Handlers Certification

Food facilities, except types that are exempted, are required by California state health code to have all food handlers pass a food handler exam. Certification is valid for 3 years from the date of the exam.

The exam may be taken online or administered by the Food Safety Manager at the food facility where the employee works. Exams must be kept on file at that food facility.

How to get training:

• Training documents:
  • Food Handler Card Guidelines (PDF)
  • Food Handler Card Training Outline (PDF)
  • The Health of the Public is in Your Hands - A Food Handler’s Guide to Food Safety (PDF)
  • La Salud del Público Está En Sus Manos - Guia del Preparador de Alimentos Para la Seguridad Alimenticia (PDF)
• Exam A:
  • EH&S Food Handler Exam A - (PDF) (Word file)
  • Medio Ambiente, Salud y Seguridad - Examen de los Manejadores del Alimento A - (PDF) (Word file)
• Exam B:
  • EH&S Food Handler Exam B - (PDF) (Word file)
  • Medio Ambiente, Salud y Seguridad - Examen de los Manejadores del Alimento B - (PDF) (Word file)
• Housing-Dining-Hospitality Services food sanitation training:
  • Contact Margaret Nagase, (858) 534-4420, for scheduling information.

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Food Safety Manager Certification

Required for operators of food preparation facilities. Certification is valid for 5 years from the issue date.

How to get training:

• Training sources include:
  • Always Food Safe 
  • National Registry of Food Safety Professionals
  • ServSafe
• Contact EH&S General Safety, (858) 534-7513, for questions regarding this training requirement.

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How to Maintain a Healthy Back

Required for employees who move or lift equipment or heavy loads. This is an eCourse.

How to get training:

• Complete the Maintaining a Healthy Back eCourse on UC Learning Center.

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Recommended

Dealing with Emergencies

Recommended for all employees who wish to learn about basic preparedness procedures and resources, or their department's role in the UC San Diego Emergency Operations Plan. This is instructor-led training.

How to get training:

• Register for the Dealing with Emergencies course on UC Learning Center.

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UC Driver Responsibilities

Recommended for anyone who operates a university vehicle or electric cart, utilizes a personal vehicle or rents a vehicle for university business. This is instructor-led training.

How to get training:

• See UC Driver Responsibilities for options.

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Ergonomics for Food Service Employees

Recommended for all food service employees.

How to get training:

• Contact an EH&S ergonomics specialist to schedule group training.
• Read Ergonomic Awareness: Risk Factors for more information and self-help options.
• Read Ergonomics: The Supervisor's Role for more information.

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Fire Extinguisher Training

Recommended for employees who work with hazardous materials, equipment, or processes associated with a high risk of fire.

How to get training:

• See Fire Extinguisher Training for options.

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