Question 4.3: If an industrial facility employs 600 people and they are to...

If 36 in^{2}. square tables are to be utilized, Table 4.4 indicates 12 ft^{2} is required for each of the 200 employees to eat per shift. Therefore, a 2400-ft^{2} cafeteria should be planned.
If a vending machine area is to be used in conjunction with the cafeteria, then an area of 200 ft^{2} should be allocated for vending machines. Thus, a vending machine food service facility would require 2600 ft^{2} .

A serving line may serve 70 employees in the first third of each meal shift. Therefore, three serving lines of 300 ft^{2} each should be planned. A total of 3300 ft^{2} would be required for a food service facility using serving lines.
A full kitchen will require 3300 ft^{2} for cafeteria and serving lines plus (from Table 4.5) 2100 ft^{2} for the kitchen. Therefore, a total of 5400 ft^{2} would be required for a full-service food service facility.

Two issues related to food services are drinking fountains and break areas.
Drinking fountains should be located within 200 feet of any location where employees are regularly engaged in work. Local building codes should be consulted for determining their exact location. Drinking fountains should be conveniently located but must not be located where employees using drinking fountains may be exposed to a hazard. Drinking fountains are often located near restrooms and locker rooms
for the convenience of employees and because plumbing is readily available.

If the cafeteria is within 400 feet of most employees, rest breaks should be confined to the cafeteria. If a cafeteria serving line exists and it may be used to dispense drinks and snacks, it should be utilized for breaks. If a serving line may not be used or if one does not exist, drinks and snacks should be available in the cafeteria from vending machines during break periods.
Locating vending machines throughout a facility may cause supervision, food containment, and trash disposal problems. Nevertheless, if the cafeteria is more than 400 feet from most employees, then some vending machines should be located within the facility to reduce employee travel time. When vending machines are used, break areas should be conveniently located for employees, while at the same time not interfering with other activities.

Table 4.4 Space Requirements for Cafeterias

Table 4.5 Space Requirements for Full Kitchens