Candidate Support Pack - Scottish Qualifications Authority

5.80
Dip level controls
Many twin-skinned (double-skinned) and partially double-skinned CTWs have sight
glasses that allow you to judge at a glance whether the correct, low, medium, or high
dip is being achieved in the various stages. Having the sight glasses marked with the
target wash liquor levels will help you identify potential faults or act as an early warning
system of a blockage.
A high dip on the wash compartments will result in poor washing quality by reducing the
wash action. If the high dip is caused by too high a water flow, this will also increase wash
costs by using more water and steam. If the CTW is fitted with detergent sensors, these will
try to increase chemicals dosage levels in an effort to maintain the correct concentrations.
A dip that is too low on rinse stages may result in poor rinsing and increased re-wash
due to detergent retention, yellowing of whites and skin contact reactions in the finishing
department. If badly rinsed work reaches the customer a major complaint could result
from users getting sore skin (dermatitis). Excessively low dips in any compartment will
increase the risk of blockages as there will be insufficient water to lubricate the transfer
of the load to the next compartment.
Safety features
All washing machines have many safety features to protect the washroom operative
and it is important that your training covers these. There are some elements of the
machine design that may stop you doing something, such as not allowing you to open
the door on the membrane press whilst the CTW is operating. Other features may need
you to react to a fault or emergency, eg pressing the large red emergency stop buttons
that are normally located at both ends of the CTW.
It is important that you check that safety features are in place and that they work. Do
not try to by-pass any safety feature, as this can be extremely dangerous.
Loading and unloading
CTWs will involve using some type of linen transport equipment. This could be linen
bags connected to an overhead rail delivery system direct from the sorting room or
trolleys and trucks which are then unloaded onto a delivery conveyor. Part of your
responsibility is to check that this equipment is in good working order and will enable
you to do your job without risk to yourself or damage to the items you are processing.
GC8N 22 — Laundry Operations Level 2