Setting Up A Safe Laundry

Details

Created on Friday, 02 December 2005 16:52

Written by Staff

Everyone strives for a safe laundry for the benefit of the employees and the facility. The following guidelines for a safe laundry were submitted by Pellerin Milnor Corporation.

Laundry Location

• Make sure you have the proper available space to set up a safe and efficient operation.
  
• Watch out for interferences to cart and personnel movement when designing the laundry.
  
  • Obstructions such as columns, tight passageways, low ceilings, and small door openings can hamper a safe laundry location.
    
• Don’t install adjacent machines too close together.
  
  • Allows proper space to operate and maintain all equipment - front, sides and back.
  • Verify with the manufacturers detail drawings the minimum space recommended.
  • Washers are typically 18”-24” apart and dryers can be 1” apart.
  • Allow a minimum of 24” at the rear for proper service access. More is better.

Equipment Selection

• Make sure that controls are easy-to-read. An emergency stop button should be clearly marked and easily accessible.
  
• Make sure the dryer incorporates the latest in safety features.
  
  • With the varied types of goods to process, a fire safety system (internal sprinkler) will control spontaneous combustion in the dryer.
    
• Plan for an effective lint collection system.
  
  • All dryers generate and contain lint from the goods you process.
  • To operate safely and efficiently, dryer exhaust systems must be kept clean. That includes internal lint screens and external (when utilized) lint collection devices.

Operations

• Regularly check door interlocks on washer extractors. Ensure that the door cannot open if the washer basket is turning, or that the basket promptly stops turning if the door is opened.
  
• Remove machine from service and call a technician if basket continues to turn while door is opened!
  
• Keep you dryer lint screens clean.
• Keeping lint screens clean reduces the risk of fire and allows for proper airflow and operation of the dryer.
• Obtain dryers that have a control that prompts the operator to clean the lint screens during the operation day.
• Utilize folding tables that are proper heights.
• Operator work-stations that are too high will cause fatigue and lower overall productivity.
• Typical acceptable heights are approximately 36” above the floor.
  
• Process goods immediately from the dryers.
• They should be folded immediately to prevent poor qualit
• Hot, dry goods in a basket can cause spontaneous combustio
• Have the laundry area cleaned each day.
• Avoid lint buildup for safety’s sake.
• Mop up any water on the floor in the washroom.
  
• A clean laundry sets the proper image to both your customers and employees.