Summary
Three levels of response: Tier 1 (Kitchen Staff), Tier 2 (Facility Maintenance), Tier 3 (Outside Service Tech)
This structure prevents unnecessary service calls, supports correctional protocols, and helps facilities quickly triage issues.
LEGEND
- Tier 1 – Basic Checks (Kitchen Staff):
Safe, non-technical actions inmates or supervisors can perform under policy. - Tier 2 – Advanced Checks (Maintenance Team):
Actions requiring tools, access panels, or system resets. - Tier 3 – Service Required (Authorized Tech Only):
Any troubleshooting requiring electrical exposure, steam access, gas disconnection, or voiding tamper-resistant panels.
Combi Ovens (Correctional Package)
Tier 1 — Kitchen Staff
- Confirm oven is powered on
- Check door is fully closed and gasket is intact
- Verify the correct cooking mode is selected
- Ensure water supply valve is open
- Run cavity rinse to clear light debris
- Note any error codes
Tier 2 — Maintenance
- Replace or reseat door gaskets
- Inspect water filters, descalers, and inlet screens
- Check drain lines for obstruction
- Reset high-limit or control board (if accessible under policy)
- Inspect for scale buildup in steam generator
Tier 3 — Service Tech Required
- Electrical board replacement
- Steam generator repairs
- Water pump replacement
- Locked programming and control board diagnostics
Convection Ovens
Tier 1 — Kitchen Staff
- Ensure oven is plugged in and breaker is not tripped
- Verify fan is running (listen for airflow)
- Check door latch for obstruction
- Remove food debris from vents
Tier 2 — Maintenance
- Reset high-limit
- Inspect fan motor and belts
- Tighten hinges and door latches
- Clean internal components per SOP
- Check heating element continuity
Tier 3 — Service Tech Required
- Replace burners, elements, fans, motors
- Repair internal wiring or control boards
Steamers
Tier 1 — Kitchen Staff
- Verify water supply is open
- Check pan rails and doors for proper seating
- Run delime or rinse cycle if allowed
Tier 2 — Maintenance
- Inspect scale buildup in boiler or generator
- Check thermocouples and temperature probes
- Inspect drain systems
- Reset high-limit
Tier 3 — Service Tech Required
- Boiler/generator repair
- Heating element replacement
- Valve or solenoid repair
Tilt Skillets & Steam Kettles
Tier 1 — Kitchen Staff
- Verify power is on
- Ensure tilt handle is not obstructed
- Check lid is properly seated
Tier 2 — Maintenance
- Inspect motorized tilt mechanism
- Check steam supply valves (staff-only)
- Inspect safety switches
- Ensure drain valves are clear
Tier 3 — Service Tech Required
- Steam jacket repairs
- Tilt motor replacement
- Pressure system diagnostics
Dish Machines (Conveyor or Flight-Type)
Tier 1 — Kitchen Staff
- Empty scrap baskets
- Check chemical levels
- Verify curtains are installed correctly
- Ensure trayline isn’t overloaded
- Inspect for jammed utensils
Tier 2 — Maintenance
- Check booster heater operation
- Clean spray arms and nozzles
- Inspect conveyor tension and alignment
- Confirm pumps and motors are functioning
- Inspect tamper-resistant access panels
Tier 3 — Service Tech Required
- Booster heater replacement
- Motor/pump repair or replacement
- Conveyor drive system diagnostics
- Control board repair
Trayline & Conveyor Systems
Tier 1 — Kitchen Staff
- Clear debris or trays blocking conveyor
- Ensure trays are properly aligned
- Verify emergency-stop hasn’t been pressed
Tier 2 — Maintenance
- Adjust belt tension
- Lubricate approved parts (where permitted)
- Inspect drive shaft and rollers
- Replace worn guards or covers
Tier 3 — Service Tech Required
- Electrical motor replacement
- Belt system overhaul
- High-voltage work inside motor housing
Walk-In Coolers & Freezers
Tier 1 — Kitchen Staff
- Ensure door is fully closed
- Check for overpacked shelving blocking airflow
- Confirm no inmates have wedged items in the door gasket
- Note temperature reading
Tier 2 — Maintenance
- Clean condenser coils
- Inspect evaporator fan
- Replace or repair door gaskets
- Check defrost system
- Inspect hinges, latches, and closers
Tier 3 — Service Tech Required
- Compressor repair
- Refrigerant leak detection
- Evaporator coil replacement
Reach-In Refrigeration
Tier 1 — Kitchen Staff
- Check door closure
- Inspect gasket for debris
- Verify shelves aren’t blocking airflow vents
Tier 2 — Maintenance
- Clean condenser
- Tighten hinges
- Replace gaskets
- Check tamper-resistant hardware
Tier 3 — Service Tech Required
- Thermostat replacement
- Refrigerant-related repairs
- Compressor or condenser fan replacement
Prep Tables, Enclosed Bases & Stainless Fixtures
Tier 1 — Kitchen Staff
- Check doors/latches for items blocking closure
- Clean external surfaces
- Confirm table stability
Tier 2 — Maintenance
- Tighten tamper-resistant fasteners
- Inspect welds for stress
- Reseat doors, hinges, or latches
- Ensure enclosed bases remain sealed
Tier 3 — Service Tech Required
- Structural reinforcement
- Welding repairs
Meal Delivery Carts & Insulated Trays
Tier 1 — Kitchen Staff
- Ensure latches close fully
- Verify trays are not cracked
- Check cart is not overloaded
- Confirm casters roll properly
Tier 2 — Maintenance
- Replace casters
- Repair latch hardware
- Inspect insulation performance
- Tighten hinges
Tier 3 — Service Tech Required
- Heating/cooling module repair
- Electrical diagnostics
- Structural cart rebuild
