Avoiding Occupational Hazards

My experience of more than two decades in operations management has taught me that while our processes should focus towards enhanced efficiency, 'safety’ is of primary importance when operating a commercial laundry. 

The first step is to purchase machines with high safety ratings, and with it comes AMC and optimum maintenance given continuous usage.

Common safety measures in a laundry include methods of eliminating water on the floor to avoid slipping hazards. Any spills should be taken care of immediately, while leaks or other sources of water should be addressed during routine maintenance. 

Laundries also need to check for excess lint. Due to its flammable properties, accumulation of lint must be immediately removed to prevent fire hazards. Similarly, the ground staff should be prepared while handling high temperatures to avoid heat-related injury risk. 

Red zones include burner areas of dryers, electrical panels, electrical disconnects, and other areas where high heat or high voltage is near. During hot times of the year, hydration and breaks are important to prevent heat-related injuries. 

Chemical safety is another common concern in laundry. A regular commercial laundry handling large batches of linen and garments will have voluminous concentrated bleach, detergent, and softener. Safety glasses, masks, and customized kits depending upon the type can be introduced depending upon the requirements of the environment. 

Following simple instructions of washing hands after contact with the chemical containers and changing garments are necessary.

Electrical safety is one of the most important areas of concern. Laundries must make sure all electrical enclosure covers are in place during operation. Once servicing of the machines is accomplished, all panels and guards must be reinstalled properly to prevent electrical shock.

Being mindful of the threat of spontaneous combustion should not be overlooked in a commercial laundry. Any greasy or oily rags have the potential to catch fire in the dryer if utmost care is not taken. Any items left in the dryer overnight must go through the complete drying process without omitting the cool-down phase at the end of the drying cycle.

I believe that it is always safest to process the laundry properly so that every scope of accident and occupational hazard can be identified, assessed, and avoided.