Module 9: Processing linen and laundry

Presentation outline

Learning objectives PPP 9.1: Principles and key steps in processing linen PPP 9.2: Collecting, transporting and sorting and laundering linen PPP 9.3: Storing Transporting and Distributing Clean Linen PPP 9.4: Minimum requirements and periodic monitoring for a standard laundry PPP 9.5: Personal protective equipment s used in processing linen and laundry

Learning objectivesAt the end of this module, participants will be able to:

Explain why careful handling and processing of soiled linen are important Describe key principles in handling linen Explain how soiled linen should be, collected, transported sorted, washed, and dried Explain how clean linen should be stored, transported, and distributed Explain the minimum requirements for a standard laundry List the personal protective equipment used in processing linen and laundry3

PPP 9.1:Principles and key steps in Linen processing

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Processing Linen and laundryGeneral consideration: Although soiled linen contains large numbers of organisms, work-related infection is most often due to negligence (not using gloves or washing hands during/after collecting, transporting, or sorting linen).

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Processing Linen cont dPrinciples and Key Steps in linen processing: Wear gloves and other PPE as appropriate when collecting, handling, transporting, sorting, and washing soiled linen. Consider all cloth items used in a procedure as infectious, even if there is no visible contamination. Handle soiled linen as little as possible and carry it in a covered container or plastic bag to prevent spills until transported to the laundry. Carefully sort all linen in the laundry before washing. Do not presort or wash linen at point of use. 6

PPP 9.2: Collecting, transporting and sorting and laundering linen

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Collecting and transporting soiled linen Collect used linen in cloth or plastic bags or containers with lids. Handle soiled linen as little as possible and do not shake it. Do not sort and wash soiled linens in patient care areas. Collect and remove soiled linen after each procedure on daily basis or as needed including patient rooms. Transport collected soiled linen in closed leak proof bags, containers with lids or covered carts to the processing area daily or as needed.8

Sorting Soiled Linen The processing area for soiled linen must be separate from other areas Ensure adequate ventilation and physical barriers between the clean and soiled linen areas Always wear appropriate PPE Be watchful about scalpels, sharp tipped scissors, and hypodermic and suture needles. Wash hands after removing the gloves.9

Receiving linen

Sorting linen

Decontaminating or presoaking (if needed)

Laundering LinenHand Washing

Wash heavily soiled linen separately from non-soiled linen. Presoak heavily soiled linen with soap and bleach (0.5% chlorine) for 10 minutes Non soiled linen should not be presoaked in bleach and soap. Instead, it should be washed with soap with soap and water until visibly clean. Then add bleach (5% chlorine solution) for 1 liter of water and continue to clean and disinfection.

Machine Washing Wash heavily soiled linen separately from nonsoiled linen. Adjust temperature and time cycle. Both cold and warm water cycles that include bleach reduce bacterial counts. Check all items for cleanliness and rewash if needed.11

Laundering LinenHand Washing Wash the entire item in water and with liquid soap. Prepare 2ml of 5% bleach to 1 liter of water and wash with it Check all items for cleanliness and rewash if needed. Rinse with clean water.

Machine Washing

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Drying, Checking, and Folding Linen Completely air or machine dry before further processing. Air-dry in direct sunlight, if possible, keeping fabric off the ground, away from dust and moisture. Check linen for holes and threadbare areas. Linen should be repaired or discarded before reuse or storage. Clean and dry linen should be ironed as needed and folded.13

Washing linen

Drying linen

Storing linen

PPP 9.3: Storing Transporting and Distributing Clean Linen

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Clean LinenDistributing Transporting Storing Protect clean linen until it Transport clean and Keep clean linen in clean, is distributed. soiled linen separately. closed storage areas. Do not leave extra linen in Separate folding and storage Use different carts or patient rooms. containers to transport room from soiled areas. Handle clean linen as little clean and soiled linen, or Keep shelves clean. as possible. wash and label before Handle stored linen as little Avoid shaking. transporting clean linen. as possible. Clean soiled mattresses Cover linen during before putting on clean transport. linen.

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PPP 9.4: Minimum requirements and periodic monitoring for a Laundry

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Minimum requirements for standard Laundry Ensure that laundry areas have hand washing facilities and products and appropriate PPE Use and maintain laundry equipment according to manufacturers instructions Do not leave damp textiles or fabrics in machines overnight Disinfection of washing and drying machines in residential care is not needed as long as gross soil is removed from items before washing and proper washing and drying procedures are used.18

Periodic monitoring Monitoring/ inspection of the laundry unit on weekly basis Include the laundry activity in weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly plan and report Use microbiologic sampling during outbreak investigations19

PPP 9.5: Personal protective equipment s used in processing linen and laundry

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Use of PPE in processing linen and laundryCollecting and handling soiled linen Transporting soiled linen

Sorting soiled linen

Hand washing soiled linen Loading automatic washers

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Poor utilization of PPE in washing/Laundry

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Soiled linen thrown to the floor

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Improper soaking of linen

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