Manage the safe use of continuous tunnel washers

URN: UKFTTCS19
Business Sectors (Suites): Textile Care Services
Developed by: UKFT
Approved on: 30 Mar 2023

Overview


This standard is for those who manage the safe use of Continuous Tunnel Washers (CTWs) including planned preventative maintenance. You will be responsible for developing Safe Systems of Work (SSOW) which depend on identification and control of risks associated with hazards.
This standard is for CTW Operatives and Supervisors.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:


P1 manage the use of the CTW and ancillary equipment directly linked to the CTW
P2 develop, implement and manage an SSOW for blockage clearance and CTW entry, including relevant staff health checks
P3 confirm that staff are trained to recognise blockages and to report any incident that has the potential to cause blockages
P4 confirm that staff are trained in appropriate health and safety for matters when working with a CTW
P5 confirm that staff are trained to operate the CTW safely and check for good housekeeping, water and chemical flow rates and distribution
P6   confirm that staff are trained in the organisational procedures for clearing blockages including methods and SSOW not involving entry and methods and SSOW involving entry
P7   confirm that staff are aware of the precise demands of “confined space” entry    
P8   develop and implement a system for annual risk assessments
P9   develop and implement an SSOW that covers CTW risks and hazards
P10  ensure the usage of PPE as defined within the organisational procedures and industry standards
P11    use the controls affecting the operation of the CTW and ancillary linked equipment
P12    override or reset the CTW following a fault or anomaly
P13    investigate repeated blockages in the CTW
P14    ensure that incidents are investigated and corrective action taken to rectify and minimise the potential for recurrence
P15    ensure that post incident investigations are completed to determine the cause and that this is documented
P16    ensure that documentation is completed in line with organisational procedures and industry standards
P17    confirm routine safety checks are completed and that cut out systems are working correctly
P18    check that all programmable controls are operating correctly
P19    ensure those operating the CTW follow the safety procedures at all times
P20    maintain records of CTW process parameters and programmes 


Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:


K1 the roles and responsibilities of self, operatives, colleagues, other management and external agencies relating to the safe operation of the CTW and ancillary equipment.
K2 the principles of CTW operation
K3 the organisational procedures and industry standards that apply
K4 why all access areas to the CTW and co-joined working areas should be ‘locked off’ using a multi pad- lockable hasp for safety and security
K5 how to ensure constant monitoring of the CTW can take place K6     the management and security of chemicals and dosing systems for the CTW
K7    why a detailed planned preventative maintenance system should be in place
K8     how to develop and implement a SSOW that that covers the following risks and hazards:heat, temperature, air quality, chemicals, slips, trips and falls
K9    the importance of blockage reporting and post incident investigations
K10   the importance of staff training for CTW operation including good housekeeping, water and chemical flow rates and distribution
K11  the procedures for staff health checks, including notification of staff health issues, medical conditions and medications taken as part of the SSOW implementation
K12 the control mechanisms relating to the operation of the CTW and ancillary equipment.
K13 the water and steam flow systems, their maintenance and control mechanisms
K14 the importance of having a documented SSOW when using CTW
K15   statutory responsibilities under health, safety and environmental legislation and regulations


Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

30 Mar 2026

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Creative Skillset

Original URN

SKSLWDC24

Relevant Occupations

Textile and Garment Trades, Laundry Operative, Wet Cleaner, Dry Cleaner

SOC Code

9224

Keywords

Laundry; CTW; Loads; Safety; Faults; Procedures; Standards;