Hi washman-ga,
Here are the websites with the information that you seek.
The regulations from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention are
used nationwide.
SECTION 250.1740 LAUNDRY SERVICE
a. “All linens shall be mechanically washed using soap or detergent
and warm or hot water. Linens shall be disinfected by using one of the
following procedures:
1. Thermal Disinfection: Linen must be exposed to water with a minimum
of hot water at least 160 degrees Farenheit for a cumulative time of
at least 25 minutes.
2. Chemical and Thermal Disinfection: Linen must be exposed to wash
and bleach bath water at least 140 degrees Farenheit. The bleach bath
must be at least 10 minutes long and have a starting bleach
concentration of 100 ppm. This bleach concentration should be measured
by titration on a periodic basis.
3. Other: A step-wise wash process which has been previously
documented by microbiological study published in a scientific journal.
The results must indicate no surviving pathogenic microorganisms and a
low level of other organisms. Low level is defined as nine out of ten
samples with less than two colonies per ten square centimeters of test
surface”
http://www.idph.state.il.us/rulesregs/77-0250.htm#SECTION_250.1740_LAUNDRY_SERVICE
SUBPART N: HOUSEKEEPING AND LAUNDRY SERVICES
http://www.idph.state.il.us/rulesregs/77-0250.htm
Guidelines for Laundry in Health Care Facilities
"The microbicidal action of the normal laundering process is affected
by several physical and chemical factors (5). Although dilution is not
a microbicidal mechanism, it is responsible for the removal of
significant quantities of microorganisms. Soaps or detergents loosen
soil and also have some microbicidal properties. Hot water provides an
effective means of destroying microorganisms, and a temperature of at
least 71 C (160 F) for a minimum of 25 minutes is commonly recommended
for hot-water washing. Chlorine bleach provides an extra margin of
safety. A total available chlorine residual of 50-150ppm is usually
achieved during the bleach cycle. The last action performed during the
washing process is the addition of a mild acid to neutralize any
alkalinity in the water supply, soap, or detergent. The rapid shift in
Ph from approximately 12 to 5 also may tend to inactivate some
microorganisms.
Recent studies have shown that a satisfactory reduction of microbial
contamination can be achieved at lower water temperatures of 22-50 C
when the cycling of the washer, the wash formula, and the amount of
chlorine bleach are carefully monitored and controlled (6,7). Instead
of the microbicidal action of hot water, low-temperature laundry
cycles rely heavily on the presence of bleach to reduce levels of
microbial contamination."
http://www.cdc.gov/od/ohs/biosfty/laundry.htm
Laundry
“Commercial laundry facilities often use water temperatures of at
least 160°F and 50-150 ppm of chlorine bleach to remove significant
quantities of microorganisms from grossly contaminated linen. Studies
have shown that a satisfactory reduction of microbial contamination
can be achieved at water temperatures lower than 160°F if laundry
chemicals suitable for low-temperature washing are used at proper
concentrations. In the home, normal washing and drying cycles
including "hot" or "cold" cycles are adequate to ensure patient
safety. Instructions of the manufacturers of the machine and the
detergent or wash additive should be followed closely.”
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/Sterile/laundry.htm
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC)
Page 88
Section G. Laundry and Bedding
Numbers 4 onwards
Parameters of the Laundry Process
“Hot water provides an effective means of destroying microorganisms.
A temperature of at least 71C (160 F) for minimum of 25 minutes is
commonly recommended for hot water washing……”
“Although hot-water is an effective laundry disinfection method, the
cost can be significant……Several studies have shown that lower water
temperatures of 22C – 50C (71F – 77F) can satisfactory reduce
microbial contamination when the cycling of the washer, the wash
detergent and the amount of bleach are carefully monitored and
controlled. Low temperature laundry cycles rely heavily on the
presence of chlorine or oxygen activated bleach to reduce the levels
of microbial contamination. The selection of hot or cold water
laundry cycles may be dictated by the state healthcare facility
licensing standards or other regulation. Regardless of whether hot or
cold water is used for washing, the temperatures reached in drying and
especially during ironing provide additional significant microbiocidal
action…..”
Also read 5 – Special Laundry Situations
Number 6 – Surgical Gown, Drapes and Disposable Fabrics
Number 7 – Antimicrobial –Impregnated Articles
Number 8 – Standard Mattresses, Pillows and Air Fluidized beds
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/enviro/env_guide_draft.pdf
LAUNDERING WITH OZONE:
An environmentally friendly way to reduce health care costs
http://www.rgf.com/products/laundry.html
Hope this helps.
Best regards,
jeanwil-ga
search words 'virginia health department' 'regulation for hospital
laundry' |
