Healthcare facilities face strict compliance standards for laundry processing. Patient linens, surgical drapes, and staff uniforms must meet CDC infection control standards to prevent disease transmission. Here's what facilities managers need to know about infection-control laundry equipment.
CDC & OSHA Laundry Standards
The CDC and OSHA require healthcare facilities to:
- Separate contaminated linens from clean linens (barrier washing)
- Use hot water (thermal disinfection) or chemical disinfection
- Maintain proper equipment maintenance records
- Train staff on infection control protocols
- Use designated linens for different departments
Key Equipment Features
Infection-Control Washers Must Include:
- Barrier Washers: Pass-through machines separating dirty/clean areas
- Thermal Disinfection: High-temperature cycles (158°F+ or chemical equiv.)
- Capacity: 60–200 lb capacity for high-volume hospitals
- Documentation: Built-in cycle recording for compliance audits
Validation & Compliance
New healthcare laundry systems must be validated to confirm they meet infection control standards. WAPTECCO provides complete validation documentation including sterilization certification and quality assurance reports.
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