Section: UTMB On-line Documentation Subject: Healthcare Epidemiology Policies and Procedures Topic: Laundry Facilities Usage in Patient Care Areas

1.20 - Policy 2006 - Revised 1995 - Author

1.20 Laundry Facilities Usage in Patient Care Areas

Purpose	To provide guidelines for the use of the washer and dryer in patient care areas
Audience	All individuals using the laundry facilities in the patient care areas
Policy	• Soiled linen should be handled as little as possible and with minimum agitation to prevent contamination of the air and persons handling linen. • Healthcare workers sorting soiled laundry should wear gloves and a gown. • Patients who are using the laundry facilities for their personal items are not required to wear gloves and a gown, but are encouraged to wash their hands after handling soiled laundry. • Wash water should contain 50-150 ppm (1/4 cup) of chlorine bleach if the laundry is heavily contaminated with microorganisms (e.g., with feces, urine, blood, or other body fluids). • Laundry chemicals should be used at proper concentrations and should be suitable for low temperature washing. • Clean linen should be handled, transported, and stored by methods that will ensure its cleanliness.