Minimise the risk of spreading infection when transporting clean and used linen

This standard concerns the transportation of clean and used linen and infectious linen, which should be undertaken as entirely separate operations using trolleys or vehicles specifically designated for each task to minimise the risk of transmitting infection.

It applies in all health and social care environments, including community and domiciliary settings, and ambulance care settings.

This standard does not cover the transportation of radioactive linen or linen from individuals with known infectious diseases, where additional precautions will be required.

Cleaning and disinfecting are the terms that are used in this standard however in some areas the term 'decontamination' is used. Decontamination is an umbrella term which incorporates cleaning, disinfecting and sterilising as appropriate.

The standard should be used alongside relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols.

Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies.

1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. perform effective hand hygiene and use personal protective equipment in accordance with organisational requirements
6. ensure linen receptacles that have not been filled or secured correctly in accordance with organisational requirements are not collected or transported
7. collect contained and secured linen from designated areas in accordance with the agreed schedule and using correct moving and handling techniques
8. transport the linen to the collection point or directly to the laundry, securely and without opening, using a trolley or vehicle specifically designated for the collection of used linen
9. ensure any trolleys or vehicles are cleaned, with or without disinfection, after use and check that they are in good working order before re-use, isolating and reporting any that are not
10. remove personal protective equipment discarding any single use equipment in an appropriate waste receptacle, cleaning or disinfecting any re-usable equipment ready for re-use
11. collect and transport clean linen avoiding cross contamination with used linen using a trolley or vehicle specifically designated for the delivery of clean linen
12. take appropriate action where an exposure occurs while transporting used or clean linen
13. dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
14. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

1.     the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere

2.     the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role

3.     how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information

4.     specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability

5.     the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others

6.     the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these

7.     the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others

8.     relevant standard infection prevention and control precautions, national legislation/guidance and local policies/procedures

9.     the chain of infection

10.  hierarchy of controls

11.  the key moments of hand hygiene

12.  how approaches in clinical and social environments may differ

13.  how to access facilities for hand hygiene

14.  effective techniques for maintaining hand hygiene

15.  how to access first aid provision

16.  the appropriate personal protective equipment to use when transporting linen

17.  the different colour-coded bags and waste receptacles available and the correct use of each

18.  how to handle segregated bagged linen safely at points of collection and delivery

19.  how to transport clean and used linen correctly to prevent contamination

20.  how to report adverse events, accidents and incidents

21.  the range of appropriate actions to take where an exposure occurs while transporting used or clean linen:

• perform first aid immediately to the exposed area, following national/local guidelines
• report the incident immediately and seek further advice on the need for further medical care
• document the incident, following local policies

22.  how and when to report any issues

23.  how to dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures

24.  how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements