Ajay Nair, Head Sales & CRM, ADD Concepts Pvt. Ltd, outlined comprehensive best practices that encompass everything from understanding laundry requirements and effective washing and drying techniques to prioritizing hygiene, sanitation, and environmental sustainability at the Clean Rail Conference 2024.
1. Understanding Railway Laundry Requirements
• Indian Railways handles a high volume of linen daily, including bed sheets, pillow covers, blankets, and curtains. This requires robust systems and optimized workflows.
• Rapid processing is crucial to ensure clean linen is available for the next cycle.
• Differentiating between bedding and other textiles helps establish separate protocols for each type of fabric to avoid damage or deterioration.
2. Best Practices for Washing & Drying
• Sorting by Fabric and Soiling: Always sort linen by fabric type (cotton, polyester blends, etc.) and soil level before washing. Pre-sorting helps to optimize washing cycles.
• Water Temperature & Detergent Usage:
– Bed Linen: Warm water with proper detergents and oxygen-based bleach for thorough cleaning without damaging
the fabric.
– Uniforms: Cold to warm water with detergents that protect colors and fabric quality.
• Heavy Soiling: Pre-soaking in detergent solutions to break down stains and grime before the main wash.
• Overloading leads to improper washing and mechanical strain on laundry equipment.
• Ensure proper tumble drying settings (temperature and cycle time) according to fabric requirements to prevent shrinkage or wear.
3. Hygiene & Sanitation
• Disinfection Protocols: Indian Railways must prioritize disinfection to prevent the spread of infections:
• Use of anti-microbial treatments and fabric-friendly disinfectants in the wash cycle.
• Regular maintenance of washing machines to avoid bacterial buildup (biofilm).
• Handling of Soiled Linen: Proper collection and handling of soiled linen to prevent cross-contamination. Use of color-coded bins for sorting.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Laundry workers should be provided with gloves and aprons to minimize exposure to potentially infectious materials.
4. Water & Energy Efficiency
• Implement greywater recycling systems to reduce freshwater consumption, critical in regions facing water scarcity.
• Use of modern, energy-efficient washing machines and dryers can significantly reduce electricity consumption.
• Running machines at full but not overloaded capacity to maximize energy and water efficiency.
• Steam irons are preferable for railway linen, as they are faster and more efficient, reducing wrinkles and ensuring smooth finishes on sheets and uniforms.
5. Sustainability Practices
• Eco-Friendly Detergents: Use biodegradable and phosphate-free detergents to minimize environmental impact.
• Chemical Management: Proper chemical dosing systems to prevent overuse and ensure efficient washing. Misuse of chemicals can lead to fabric damage and increased operational costs.
• Reuse of Linen: Set standards for the lifespan of linen and regularly assess wear and tear. Some textiles, like curtains and blankets, may need to be recycled or upcycled after a certain number of washes.
6. Maintenance of Equipment
• Regular Servicing: Preventive maintenance of washer-extractors, dryers, and ironing machines to avoid breakdowns and ensure smooth operation.
• Automation & Digitization: Use automated dosing systems for detergents and digital monitoring of laundry cycles to ensure consistency and efficiency.
• Water Softening Systems: Indian Railways may operate in regions with hard water. Water softeners prevent scale build up in machines, preserving their efficiency and lifespan.
7. Training for Staff
• Regular Training on Machine Use & Fabric Care: Staff must be trained on how to properly load machines, select appropriate cycles, and use chemicals safely.
• Safety Protocols: Emphasizing the importance of hygiene, personal safety, and emergency protocols in case of chemical exposure or machine malfunctions.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Developing clear SOPs for washing, drying, ironing, and handling linen to ensure consistent quality.
8. Monitoring & Quality Control
• Inspection of Linen: After each wash cycle, inspect the linens for any wear, tear, or stains that didn’t come off. Implementing a quality control process ensures only clean, well-maintained linens are put back into use.
• Tracking & Accountability: Introduce a tracking system for linen to ensure accountability, reduce losses, and monitor the performance of laundry operations.
• Customer Feedback: Gather feedback from passengers or staff to continuously improve laundry services.
9. Automation & Technological Advancements
• Automated Laundry Systems: Indian Railways should consider adopting automation in laundry processes to increase efficiency. Conveyor belts, automatic folding machines, and centralized washing systems can help manage the large volumes of laundry.
• Digital Monitoring of Laundry Operations: Implementing a central digital dashboard that monitors all aspects of the laundry cycle in real-time, optimizing water, energy use, and productivity.
• Smart Sensors: Machines equipped with sensors that adjust washing cycles based on the fabric load can further enhance energy efficiency.