Commercial laundry facilities juggle vast volumes of linen, equipment, chemicals and infectious materials daily, and implementing robust safety standards isn’t just about compliance – it can also protect your team and boost your efficiency.
Here’s how your facility can effectively improve safety throughout your operations.
Linen sorting – a hazardous step
Sorting linen – especially moist, soiled, mildew-laden or alginate-bagged items – can expose staff to biological hazards. Alginate bags are specifically designed to contain infectious loads, and opening them before washing compromises both staff and plant safety. Instead, facilities should wash alginate bags intact in washer extractors (using specific foul/infectious wash programs), and remove them only before drying to minimise cross-contamination risk.
Wash hygiene via thermal or chemical disinfection
Proper disinfection is essential and can be achieved in two ways:
- Thermal disinfection: e.g. 65 °C for 10 minutes or 71 °C for 3 minutes
- Chemical disinfection: using validated oxidisers, bleaches or other approved disinfection methods.
If you’re relying on chemical disinfection, precision is non-negotiable. Systems like JayCloud validate chemical dosing in real time and alert operators if specifications aren’t met – reducing rewash risks and enhancing compliance.
Tracking every cycle with smart dispensing
Smart dispensers record data like temperature, chemical volume and cycle validation, and JayCloud’s cloud-connected dashboards offer easy access to this data – helping laundry operators meet ISO and AS4146 standards. With built-in alerts and audit trails, facilities are able to move from reactive to proactive safety management.
Sorting safety and ergonomics
Sorting work is physically demanding and a known cause of biological and musculoskeletal injuries. Facilities can minimise these risks through the use of appropriate PPE, slip-resistant flooring, regular safety training and ergonomic workstations, which are designed to reduce bending and repetitive motion.
Containment using bunded chemical systems
Spills from open chemical drums are hazardous and should be avoided. The use of modern bunded storage solutions like JayChem SmartBunds removes the need for costly, old-fashioned brick bunding – these self-contained, low-maintenance units offer secure fluid handling that protects people and the environment.
Emergency preparedness – placarding and signage
Clear, compliant signage can save lives. Chemical placards and SDS information should be maintained and clearly displayed. In an emergency, this ensures responders and employees understand the risks and respond safely.
Avoid mixing chemicals on-site
Mixing Class 8 Dangerous Goods powders with water on-site can expose staff to dust inhalation and corrosive burns. Without industrial-scale controls, this is dangerous and unnecessary – instead, professional providers like JayChem can handle formulation and delivery so your staff can focus on operations, rather than chemistry.
The value of fully managed chemical programs
Partnering with a dedicated provider means chemical replenishment is handled by chemical professionals. JayChem’s managed programs offer safe delivery and reliable top-ups, whilst ensuring your staff don’t have to handle hazardous substances – lowering your risk profile while boosting consistency and control.
Risks of direct chemical injection
Feeding undiluted chemicals directly into washers means concentrated product flows through pipes across your plant, and a leak can cause slips, burns or corrosion. Using in-line dilution helps protect both staff and expensive equipment.
Safety you can build on
When it comes to safety within your laundry operation, it isn’t just a policy – it’s a practice. With expert support from cloud-enabled tools like JayCloud, your team gets the benefit of professional oversight, real-time validation and trusted guidance – leading to a safer, smarter laundry. If you’d like to improve safety standards in your laundry operation, get in touch today.