Minnesota Administrative Rules

4675.2700 LAUNDRY REQUIREMENTS.

Subpart 1.

Application.

This part applies to all laundry services for the processing of institutional type linen. Such services may be provided by an on-premise laundry operated by the facility or by an outside laundry through contractual agreement.

Subp. 2.

Sorting room.

A soiled linen collection and sorting room shall be located at the soiled side of the laundry processing room. It shall be provided with exhaust (negative) ventilation. The door to the corridor must be kept closed. Locate chute within this room, if a chute is provided.

Subp. 3.

Processing room.

The laundry processing room shall be arranged to allow for an orderly, progressive flow of work from the soiled to the clean area. Equipment shall be arranged to minimize linen transportation, provide the necessary floor area between operations, and avoid cross traffic contamination between clean and soiled operations. The room shall provide space for storage of laundry supplies, cleaning equipment, and for parking of laundry trucks used in the operation. Hand-washing facilities shall be available for the area. A two compartment laundry tub shall be provided, and it shall be of a material with a nonabsorbent, smooth, permanent finish. The laundry tub may be equipped with fittings to provide for the required hand-washing facilities.

Subp. 4.

Equipment.

The equipment shall be of a commercial type and shall consist of one or more washers, extractors, tumblers, or combinations of these, as well as ironers and presses. The washer installation shall be capable of meeting the necessary operating requirements.

Subp. 5.

Storage.

A separate enclosed clean linen room for storage and delivery. This area shall be provided with fresh air supply (positive ventilation).

Subp. 6.

Venting.

The air in the laundry shall be vented away from the clean storage and finishing or ironing area and toward the extracting and washing area. The general air movement shall be from the clean area to the soiled area, and shall be of sufficient volume to remove steam, odors, and excessive heat. Spot ventilation for large heat-producing equipment such as dryers and ironers should be provided. Dryers shall be provided with a lint collector. Horizontal exhaust ducts shall be provided with access panels for cleaning.

Subp. 7.

Wash water temperature.

The wash water temperature inside the washers shall be at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit during the main washing and rinsing cycles for a total time of at least 30 minutes, excluding time for filling and draining.

Subp. 8.

Contaminated linen.

Contaminated linen shall be thoroughly preflushed separately before being introduced to the main washing and rinsing process.

Contaminated linen, such as linen from patients with infectious drainage, dressings, or pads shall be stored and sent to the laundry in separate bags which are plainly marked to indicate that their contents are contaminated. The bags shall be tightly closed until the contents are removed from the bag and placed in the washer along with the bag, if nondisposable. Laundry personnel shall be instructed in the safe handling of such laundry.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 144.56

Published Electronically:

January 21, 2000