Summary
For Healthcare, Government, Education & Institutional Facilities
Use this checklist before inspections or after installation to reduce citations, shutdown risk, and corrective actions.
1. Equipment Identification & Documentation
☐ Manufacturer, model, and serial number are clearly legible
☐ Equipment is NSF-listed for ice production and storage
☐ Installation manuals and spec sheets are on file
☐ Warranty documentation is available
☐ Preventive maintenance (PM) records are documented and current
Inspector note: Inspectors often ask, “How do you maintain this unit?” Documentation matters.
2. Installation & Utility Compliance
☐ Electrical connection matches manufacturer requirements (voltage, phase, amperage)
☐ Dedicated circuit provided where required
☐ Water pressure is within manufacturer-specified range
☐ Approved air gap or backflow prevention device installed
☐ Drainage is compliant:
☐ Gravity drain properly sloped OR
☐ Approved condensate/drain pump installed and functional
☐ No standing water, leaks, or drain backups present
3. Cleanliness & Sanitation (High-Risk Area)
☐ Interior bin surfaces are visibly clean
☐ No slime, mold, or biofilm present
☐ Evaporator plate/grid is clean and scale-free
☐ Water distribution components are clean
☐ No musty or foul odor detected
High-risk finding: Slime, mold, or odor is one of the fastest ways to fail an inspection.
4. Ice Handling & Dispensing Controls
☐ Ice is dispensed without direct hand contact
☐ Scoop (if used) is:
☐ Clean
☐ Stored outside the ice bin
☐ In a protected holder
☐ Dispenser chute/nozzle is clean and unobstructed
☐ No cross-contact between hands, containers, and ice interior
5. Filtration & Water Quality Protection
☐ Manufacturer-approved water filtration system installed
☐ Filters are within service life (not expired)
☐ Filter change schedule is documented
☐ No visible scale buildup on internal components
☐ Water clarity and ice clarity are acceptable
Common issue: Expired or missing filtration is a frequent warranty denial reason.
6. Drainage, Condensation & Environmental Conditions
☐ Drain line is unobstructed
☐ No condensation dripping onto:
☐ Floor
☐ Food contact surfaces
☐ Electrical components
☐ Area around machine is dry and clean
☐ Floor drains are functional and clean
7. Preventive Maintenance & Cleaning Program
☐ Daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedule exists
☐ Staff know who is responsible for cleaning
☐ Cleaning chemicals are manufacturer-approved
☐ Descaling is performed per manufacturer recommendations
☐ Service provider contact information is posted or on file
8. Infection Control (Healthcare Facilities)
☐ Ice machine location approved by Infection Prevention
☐ Unit is not located in:
☐ Soiled utility rooms
☐ Near waste handling areas
☐ Ice is not used for:
☐ Wound care
☐ Direct patient contact (unless specifically approved)
☐ Isolation units follow facility ice-handling protocols
9. Operational Performance
☐ Ice production meets facility demand
☐ No overflow conditions observed
☐ Bin level controls function properly
☐ Machine cycles normally without alarms or faults
10. Safety & Accessibility
☐ Equipment is securely positioned and level
☐ No exposed wiring or damaged panels
☐ Controls and dispensers comply with ADA reach requirements where applicable
☐ Required clearances maintained for service access
Inspection Readiness Status
☐ All items checked
Unit is Inspection Ready
☐ One or more high-risk items unchecked
Correct immediately to avoid:
• Citations
• Shutdown orders
• Infection control findings
• Emergency service calls
Why This Checklist Matters
Facilities are most often cited for:
- Slime or mold inside ice bins
- Improper drains or missing air gaps
- Poor ice-handling practices
- Missing or expired filtration
- Lack of cleaning documentation
This checklist helps turn inspections from reactive events into routine pass-throughs.
