Minimise the risk of spreading infection when storing and using clean linen

This standard concerns the storage and use of clean linen to minimise the risk of contamination and cross infection. The standard applies in all health and social care environments, including community and domiciliary settings and ambulance care settings.

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. confirm identity of the individual in accordance with organisational procedures
6. gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with specific procedures
7. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
8. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs, and dignity
9. provide support to the individual and carers and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
10. perform effective hand hygiene before handling clean linen
11. ensure designated area for storage is dust free and clean
12. sort and store any delivery of clean linen in the designated enclosed area off the floor to prevent contamination by dust or aerosols
13. maintain a workflow that ensures segregation of clean and used linen
14. randomly check clean linen to ensure it is clean and free of stains, tears or holes, removing and reporting any items that are not fit for use
15. collect and transport the clean linen required in accordance with organisational procedures
16. explain to the individual, what you are going to do and proceed in such a way as to maintain their dignity and safety throughout, ensuring they are made comfortable at the end of the procedure
17. avoid contaminating clean linen by not holding it against yourself, shaking it, dropping it on the floor or placing it on surfaces that are frequently touched including lockers or bed tables
18. maintain an adequate stock of clean linen and report unanticipated high usage to ensure the stock is replenished

19. minimise the amount of clean linen placed at the bedside and return any unused linen for laundering if exposed to a contaminated environment 

20. dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures

21. 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.  principles and application of Water Safety Plans

13.  how approaches in clinical and social environments may differ

14.  how to access facilities for hand hygiene

15.  effective techniques for maintaining hand hygiene

16.  how to access first aid provision

17.  how to safely put on, remove and dispose of personal protective equipment

18.  how to stock, store and use clean linen

19.  how to maintain a workflow that ensures segregation of clean and used linen

20.  procedures for safely handling used linen in the laundry

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 organisational procedures
• report the incident immediately and seek further advice on the need for further medical care
• document the incident, following organisational procedures

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