Greater Precautions for Safe Textile Handling
Use OSHA Universal Precautions to handle all linens, uniforms, garments and other textiles. All soiled textiles should be considered contaminated. This requires deploying appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for housekeeping, maintenance staff and others. These measures prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials such as other body fluids or unfixed body tissue. Consult linen service personnel regarding tactics to separate higher-risk soiled textiles (stained, harboring needles for medical injection) to minimize employees’ handling risk.
- Ask your linen or uniform service about the best face mask options to comfort and protect employees and guests. Reusable masks that meet U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and disposable gloves should be worn by staff. Gloves should be replaced often throughout an employee’s shift.
- If possible, do not shake soiled linen. This will minimize the possibility of dispersing the virus through the air.
- Carts and vehicles used to carry both soiled and clean linen must be properly sanitized after unloading and before reloading with cleaned goods. Clean linen must be properly covered during transport.
