To ensure high standards of infection control and eliminate the potential health risks caused from soiled linens across Australia, a set of guidelines has been designed. Known as Australia/New Zealand Laundry Practice AS/NZS 4146:2000, these standards include key advice to help ensure infection control is kept in check.
Disinfection cleaning types
One of the main points to note, is that thermal disinfection or chemical disinfection must take place, for linens to be considered disinfected to a high standard.
Thermal disinfection requires washing a load at a minimum of 65°C and for not less than 10 minutes. Or a minimum of 71°C and for not less than 3 minutes.
Chemical disinfection is ideal for heat-sensitive linens and involves the use of chemicals to disinfect it to the same level as thermal disinfection.
To ensure high standards of infection control, separation of dirty and clean linens must be maintained at all points of the process including ventilation, equipment, transport, laundry bags and trolleys etc.
The bed-to-bed process
To ensure that your business is meeting Australian laundry standards, you also need to consider the equipment, facilities and maintenance taking place within your business.
As an example, let’s look at the bed-to-bed process which involves removing used linens from a patient’s room, laundering through a laundry system and then returning fresh clean linens back to the patient’s room. To ensure that this process runs as easily as it sounds, the whole operation needs to be looked at closely. Starting with the dirty linen, a system should be in place that allows for easy collecting, pre-sorting and transporting to the laundry. Followed by preparation of batches to wash and the protection of clean linens which need to be prepared for delivery. This leads to transporting and storing of clean linens which can easily be supplied back to the patient.
Considering the flow
Another thing to consider when looking at a laundry system is the flow of the laundry area. This can easily be achieved by setting up a dirty side and a clean side. Ideally in a room that provides two doors or an easy flow within a room, which stops areas potentially contaminating each other. Upon entering the laundry, the first station could be a sorting area for dirty linens and sorting trolleys. Ideally this would be located next to the washers. Leading onto dryers and a mobile folding station and ironing press.
Some key guidelines to consider when planning a laundry system:
- Wet and soiled linen should be washed quickly in order to avoid micro-organisms developing
- Freshly washed linen should be handled no more than four times between the end of the wash cycle and storing
Protecting staff and patients
Along with keeping patient’s safe from infection risks, staff need to keep themselves safe from potential infections. Personal protective equipment is the best way to ensure high standards of safety in this case, by wearing gloves and aprons at the very least. It is recommended that staff wear face shields when in compromised areas or during infection outbreaks.
Exposure risks can be reduced simply by providing staff with a clean infection-control plan which outlines potential exposures, lists safety steps and instructions for before, during and after processes.
Our top picks to starting a laundry system that meets standards
Here are our top picks to get started with a laundry system that will meet Australian laundry standards.
Small and Large Wet & Dry Mesh Linen Trolleys allow you to sort soiled linen with ease. Featuring a spring base to reduce back injury. Along with a mesh sided basket, smooth powder coated finish, corner buffers, swivel casters, brakes, and spring-loaded base. These handy trolleys are available in two sizes.
Laundry Bags help segregate your linen with these coloured cotton draw string bags. No more mixed-up linen! Available in blue, yellow and red.
Soft Powder Free Nitrile Gloves are made with a new thin-nitrile technology which reduces hand fatigue and provides a close fit for increased tactile sensitivity. Designed for ambidextrous use with a comfortable beaded cuff and excellent puncture resistance and strength. Fully micro textured for excellent wet and dry grip. These gloves are HACCP certified and available in multiple sizes.
PPE Aprons are individually dispensed with perforated edges. Made from polyethylene, these aprons are designed with one size to fit most.
Face Masks are made in accordance with EN14683: 2019 Type IIR and designed with a three-layer filter defence, face masks are anti-bacterial and latex free.
Face Shields are ideal for outbreaks and infectious areas. Designed with an adjustable band and anti-fog screen, face shields can provide 180 degrees of full protection for the face.
Clinic Laundry Powder is designed for where temperatures required for thermal disinfection cannot be achieved, or are too high for the fabric type. It disinfects at just 40˚C and combines a high level of detergency, enzymes and oxygen bleach for a superior clean. Complies with the requirements of ‘AS/NZS4146:2000 Laundry Practice’ giving a plate count of <1 cfu/cm2. Independently tested by Merieux NutriSciences, and proven to kill Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris and Staphylococcus aureus.
14kg Industrial Washing Machine has a certified ergonomic design with a human-centered approach for an outstanding user experience. Quick and easy selection and option buttons for the most frequently used wash programs and options, including language selection. Wash program packages are optimised on economy, performance and time long-term savings. Super Balance guarantees the correct extraction force. You have pure control, by monitoring the status of the equipment and performance from anywhere, allowing to take action to improve the business. Global Advanced Hygiene program package with proven log 6 reduction disinfection of textiles through the laundry process, fulfilling the criteria of all local approved standards. Connects to booking/payment system or coin meter.
10kg Industrial Dryer has a certified ergonomic design with a human-centered approach for an outstanding user experience. Designed to dry more laundry in less time. Including a reversing drum and insulated glass door to keep the door cool on the outside and heat on the inside, so the room temperature is not affected.
