Page 54 - CIJ June 2025-Digital Edition

LAUNDRY

Equipment must be capable of
achieving and maintaining 80 C for a
0
programmable amount of time to adhere
to disinfection protocol as recommended
by HICCs, MoHFW or any other
regulatory body.

Akash Dharamsey

Infection Control Measures Storage & Handling: Invest in barrier washers, energy
High-temperature Washing: Covered storage: Store clean efficient washers and dryers which
Equipment must be capable of linen in closed/covered, secure are programable and designed for
achieving and maintaining 80 C for areas with limited access to prevent healthcare needs
0
a programmable amount of time to contamination. Automation: Utilize auto-
adhere to disinfection protocol as Dedicated Transport Use: Use dosing systems for dispensation
recommended by HICCs, MoHFW separate, clearly marked bins and of detergents and chemicals. Use
or any other regulatory body. carts for soiled and clean linen. updated modern equipment which
Appropriate Detergents & Bins, carts, containers must be can provide real time process data
Chemicals: Use appropriate cleaned & disinfected after use. to monitor process protocols on
detergents and disinfectants which Personnel Hygiene: Hygiene a remote computer. RFID based
are compatible with healthcare protocol must be strictly followed inventory systems implementation
textiles. by staff handling soiled and clean can help track and improve
Special Handling: Have protocols linen. efficiency and consistency.
for linen and high-risk areas [ICU, Regular Maintenance: Scheduled
OT’s, isolation wards] with separate Equipment & Technology preventive maintenance and
handling and washing process. Industrial Grade Equipment: inspections help avoid breakdowns
and ensure optimal operating
Key Inclusion vs Exclusions efficiency.
Include Exclude Staff Training & Safety
Physical separation of clean/soiled areas Mixed-use processing/storage areas Personnel Safety: Personnel
Domestic use machines/low-temp
High-temp, disinfecting wash cycles handling infected linen must be
cycles appropriately vaccinated and must
Covered, secure storage for clean linen Open-air transport/storage use protective gear while handling
PPE and staff training Untrained staff linen. Mandate use of barrier
Manual sorting of highly infectious textiles and masks for staff handling
Automated chemical dosing and tracking
linen soiled linen.
Regular preventive equipment maintenance Skipping maintenance Training: Provide regular training
Handling linen without following
Strict hand hygiene protocols & refreshers on hygiene protocol,
hygiene protocol personnel safety, infection control,
Shared air between clean/soiled
Negative airflow in soiled areas material handling, equipment
zones use, emergency procedures and
Compliance and infection control Non-compliance with regulations regulatory compliance.

54 JUNE 2025•Clean India Journal•www.cleanindiajournal.com