Hygienically Clean certification requires that your facility undergo an independent, third-party audit to verify your commitment to compliance and the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) as specified in the Hygienically Clean standard. The audit primarily focuses on evaluating your Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and demonstrating the BMPs outlined in your Quality Assurance (QA) Manual, as well as any applicable HACCP principles that help minimize risk.
The audit provides critical evidence that:
- Employees are adequately trained and protected
- Managers are aware of legal requirements
- The facility is OSHA-compliant
- Operations are effective and efficient
The audit process comprises two key components:
- An initial review of your QA Manual conducted by the auditor prior to the onsite audit.
- A comprehensive audit of your facility, focusing on the demonstration of your Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as outlined in the QA Manual and the Hygienically Clean standard.
Creation of your QA Manual
An electronic QA Manual must be developed to document and demonstrate compliance with the Quality Assurance Program section of the Hygienically Clean Standard. This ensures that Best Management Practices (BMPs) are properly documented and followed, and that your facility adheres to all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
The Standard provides guidance for documenting the policies and procedures your facility uses to produce Hygienically Clean textiles.
During the initial review of your QA Manual, your auditor will assess its contents to verify that the following policies and procedures are documented:
- Best Management Practices (BMPs)
- Plant Facilities
- Housekeeping
- Laundry Process
- Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP, as applicable)
- Compliance with OSHA Regulations
Throughout this review process, your auditor will communicate with you via email regarding any additional documentation required for specific standards.
Resources
For more information regarding the BMPs specific to your program, please download the Standard for that program:
The second part of your audit process involves a comprehensive assessment of your facility, emphasizing the demonstration of your Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Best Management Practices (BMPs) as outlined in your QA Manual.
The auditor will start by identifying any additional findings necessary for compliance with specific standards and may request further explanations or clarifications regarding particular processes or practices.
Next, the auditor will conduct a thorough walkthrough of your facility, observing your operations, assessing compliance with each standard, and engaging in discussions with plant employees.
The audit will conclude with the auditor instructing you to select two textiles of their choice for microbiological sample testing.
You will be contacted directly by the auditor to schedule your audit. Auditors require access to your facility during normal business hours, and audits will be arranged at a mutually convenient time for both parties.
New Certifications
Once your facility is deemed eligible for certification, you will be notified and contacted to schedule your audit. Requests for specific timeframes will be accepted, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Renewals
To ensure timely scheduling of audits, TRSA will send a notification regarding renewals 120 days prior to your expiration date via email. Audits will be scheduled within 60 days of your expiration date to allow sufficient time for completion.
After your audit is completed, you will receive an invoice for the expenses incurred by the auditor during the onsite audit.
New Certification Audits
All new facilities seeking certification must undergo an onsite audit to confirm compliance with the Hygienically Clean Standard.
Renewal Audits
Facilities requesting renewal of their certification can opt for either an onsite or virtual audit to verify ongoing compliance with the Hygienically Clean Standard.
Depot Audits
Depots are required to undergo audits to ensure compliance with the Hygienically Clean Standard. You may request an onsite or virtual audit for your depot, whether it’s for a new certification or a renewal.
Supplemental Audits
An onsite supplemental audit will be conducted if your facility fails three consecutive microbiological sample tests within a single quarter.
All auditors are chosen based on their extensive industry experience and are vetted for impartiality and conflicts of interest. They must complete training that includes:
- A thorough review of all Hygienically Clean Standards
- In-person “mock” audits with a lead auditor
- Virtual “mock” audits with a lead auditor
Additionally, all auditors are required to undergo annual retraining to ensure their knowledge of the Standards and maintain consistency in the audit process.
Mark Babuscio
Mark served in the Air Force for four years, including three years in South Korea. They then attended Allegheny Community College for two years. After that, they worked at Associated Textile in Pittsburgh, PA, where they held various positions such as Truck Driver, Sales and Service Manager, Depot Manager, and Vice President Ops/General Manager. They also worked at Clean Care Health Systems in Pittsburgh, PA as a General Manager.
Later, they worked at UNX Chemical as a Service Rep in New England. They then worked at Angelica Healthcare in Milford, Connecticut as a General Manager. After that, they worked at HCSC in Pittsburgh, PA, which was later purchased by Sodexo, as a General Manager. They also worked at Paris Healthcare in Dubois, PA as a Liaison between the company and the area’s largest health system. Finally, they worked at Laundry Design Group as an Inspector/Auditor.
TJ Peterson
TJ (Anthony) Peterson, is the owner/operator of TJP Laundry Maintenance Solutions, with 25 years of healthcare linen experience. TJ has worked with small independent operators to large multi plant operations, always with the focus on safety, efficiency and cleanliness in his facilities. Having been on the maintenance side of inspections and certification programs over his career, TJ brings that experience to the TRSA certification process.
Dan Sanchez
Dan Sanchez, a seasoned professional with 36 years of industry expertise, has traversed diverse roles within the commercial landscape. A significant portion of his career was dedicated to Medline Industries, a global leader in manufacturing and distributing medical supplies. Serving as the VP of National Accounts, he collaborated with Healthcare Group Purchasing Organizations, Integrated Delivery Networks, and the Commercial laundry industry across the USA and Canada. His commitment extended further as a Board member for both the Textile Rental Service Association and the American Reusable Textile Association.
Presently, Dan has embarked on a new venture with the establishment of Sanchez Advisory Group. His company serves as a hub of knowledge and experience for all stakeholders within the Commercial Laundry business, connecting laundries, suppliers, and healthcare delivery networks. With a wealth of insight and a comprehensive understanding of the industry, Dan offers his expertise to propel businesses forward.
Mike Sing
As a Navy veteran, Mike has spent 35+ years in the Healthcare field, learning the business from the ground up while working in the industry as an employee while going to college. He brings an earnest, honest, ethical approach to any task at hand, owing his professional success to everyone he has had the privilege of working for, and with throughout his career. That learning curve remains his privilege to this day.
Douglas Story
Douglas has over 40 years of experience in the laundry industry which he is honored to say has opened the door to meet so many great people and participate in a wide variety of learning and giving opportunities.
He has published research in the Journal of Nature and Journal of Phytochemistry on plant chemistry. He also worked as a research chemist on a team that synthesized and patented laundry surfactants created from pine tree resin left over from the paper-making process. Douglas has worked as a Technical Development and Marketing Director for an industrial laundry chemical company, and as a Global Business Development Director responsible for the development and implementation of commercial laundry and other programs in over sixty-one countries around the world. He was also a Senior Research Fellow for a multinational organization with responsibilities over R&D and marketing portfolio development for the laundry and cleaning industry.
He has published a book on Technical Service and Sales programs and has patents in RFID technology as applied to automated chemical dispensing systems. He was also the President of the Industrial Laundry Division of a long-time supplier to this industry. Currently, Douglas is the Owner/President/Senior Consultant at MorgenBrooke LLC, a division of StoryRogers Holding LLC.
Brian Varner
Brian has an extensive background in Safety and Risk Management serving in multiple industries including Linen. He served as VP of Risk and Safety for Compass Group North America for 14 years prior to starting his own company, Safety Solutions for Healthcare. His mission continues to be focused on reducing workplace injuries and exposure through a robust safety and risk program. His leadership has earned him and his team prestigious awards such as the “Teddy Roosevelt Award” (issued by Risk and Insurance Magazine) for demonstrating a significant reduction in workers’ compensation claims through innovation and collaboration with field operators.
Brian’s background in auditing and compliance started after becoming a certified ISO Auditor. He recognized that compliance was one of the keys to having an effective safety and compliance program. Over his career he has created point scored compliance audits for the linen industry and authored many Linen compliance manuals, training, and awareness programs to promote safety and compliance. As a result of his commitment to compliance and safety he was the dual recipient of the 2023 TRSA Safety Excellent Award
Keith Ware
Keith has over 37 years of experience in the laundry industry, including operations, development, consulting, and sales. He has worked in various roles, including Vice President of Operation for NOVO Healthcare, where he oversaw the operations of 7 healthcare laundries and helped build a large modern production plant in Miami. He also served as Vice President of Sales for Lavatec, where he was responsible for the sales and service of Lavatec’s North American markets, helping to re-establish Lavatec as the premier brand in the laundry industry.
Additionally, he was Vice President of ThermalRecycle and Regional Sales Manager AquaRecycle. He was also a member of Crothall Laundry Services as Regional Manager of Laundry Operations. Prior to that, he worked for the Walt Disney Company in Orlando, Florida for 10 years in the laundry business. He was also Regional Manager for National Linen Service, operating their largest facility in Youngstown, Ohio, and Senior Vice President of the Southeast Division for Tartan Textile Services, Inc.
