EFHSS Questions and Answers - Answer to Question Q00052

I have been unable to find specific reference to how the atmosphere should be set up for in a laundry clean room that is preparing theatre linen packs (ie. temperature, air flow, ach...). Is anyone able to assist?

Dear Alison

The linen room should conform to the specification for "clean room" facility. There is very little of no difference between environmental requirements of a clean room for instruments processing and a clean room for preparing theatre linen packs.

Essential for the linen pack room is a relative lint free environment, a) lint and airborne particles can carry microorganisms, b) to the comort and safety of employees.

Therefore preparation of linen packs should be carried out in a seperate clean room, with its own ventilation system and all necessary equipment to inspect and produce non-sterile packs, wrapped and ready for sterilization.

The airflow should be of a downdraft type, and the number of air exchanges per hour should be sufficient to minimize lint particles in the air (a minimum air change rate 10/hour). The ventilation system should be designed so that air flows out of the backroom area (via positive pressure) and should be appropriate to provide a comfortable working enviroment.

Finishes - work surfaces, floors, walls, ceilings and fitments should have smooth cleanable surfaces. Lighting should be adequate to allow proper inspection of material and the light fittings should be designed to prevent any dust traps.

The recommended temperatur is between 22ºC to 24ºC, the relative humidity between 35% to 68%.

There should be sufficient space for clean linen storage (both before and after assembly into packs), and illuminated inspection table and patching equipment.

Kind regards Josy Holdener