Handling Linen in Hotels & Hospitals

Storage

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This should be properly done in a well–designed storage space. Linen should be allowed a rest period to recuperate before it is used again. The life span of linen is greatly increased if proper rotation of stock is carried out, thereby ensuring a ‘rest period’ between uses. As a general rule, at any given time, approximately 50% of the total linen inventory should be on the shelves, 25% in use and 25% in processing. The storage area must be isolated from the soiled linen and kept clean.

Store linen inside – both clean and dirty, but make certain they are kept separate.

• Keep the linen store locked and tidy

• Keep housekeeper trolleys covered to prevent theft

• Never leave linen unattended and unprotected

• Make sure all doors are lockable

• Keep on-corridor storage safe and secure

Transfer

Th
e linen is issued to the unit/department for use. Since transfer of clean linen is Usually done by linen trolleys, it is important to keep the trolleys clean.

Linen Control

Linen control can be carried out in four phases

1. Routine checking of linen for appearance and hygiene standards

2. Quantity control for the daily flow of linen stock / exchange procedure

3. Stocktaking or physical inventory of linen

4. Proper documentation of linen through the Master Inventory Control Sheet