Candidate Support Pack - Scottish Qualifications Authority

5.84
Activity 31
If your laundry has a CTW, find out which design it is (single skin, twin skin or
combined) and whether it transfers work at the top or bottom of the machine.
Machine name
Design type
Transfers work at the
How to minimise blockages
Blockages can pose a health and safety risk and can slow down production, so here are
some ideas for preventing them.
Planned preventative maintenance
A robust PPM system should be in place. This must ensure that manufacturer’s guidelines
are followed and that checks and maintenance procedures are carried out at the required
times according to a pre-planned schedule.
Management should also have a preventative strategy in place to formally report any
incident which has the potential to cause a CTW blockage. These incidents should be
investigated and corrective action taken to rectify any faults or situations from re-occurring.
A post-incident investigation should be carried out after every blockage to determine the
cause. This procedure should be formally documented, and corrective action taken to
rectify any faults and minimise the potential for recurrence.
Constant monitoring
Blockages are caused by overloading, lack of water, or a combination of both. Monitoring
provides the key to successful and continuous operation. Fault alarms and diagnostics
within the tunnel washer provide vital information that can act as an early warning system,
preventing potential blockages.
Strategically placed CCTV cameras can give an early indication of a blockage in the
loading hopper/first stage or compartment.
Calculate the correct weight
Overloading can lead to a blockage. To prevent overloading, it is essential that the correct
weight is calculated for each classification of work. For example, a 50 kg machine can
process 50 kg of 100 per cent cotton sheets, but the load must be reduced for
blankets/polycotton, bulky items and 100 per cent polyester work.
GC8N 22 — Laundry Operations Level 2
Answer sheets p. 5.115