Candidate Support Pack - Scottish Qualifications Authority

In laundries that use compressed air to operate pressing and ironing machinery as well as
water and outlet valves on washing machinery, a compressed air leak can lead to the
following problems:
• There can be an uncontrollable flicking in the flexible air line causing injury.
• Equipment will not work correctly — for example, air valves will not operate.
• Lost productivity and quality — for example, the water valve does not open on a
washer extractor or sheets are not folded correctly.
• Air leaks can be noisy.
• Dust and lint blown into the air can be inhaled and may coat clean linen with dust,
resulting in re-wash.
• Machines may operate slowly.
• Increased cost of electricity used to produce compressed air that then leaks uselessly
away.
• Quality of work produced will be affected, for example, by oil contamination.
• Malfunctioning equipment can be dangerous — for example, washer extractor trying
to extract when full of water.
Gas
Activity 9
1 What would you do if you identified a water, steam or air leak on the piece of
equipment you were working on?
2 If you came across a large pool of water in a gangway, what would you do to
minimise the health and safety risks to your colleagues?
Increasingly gas is used for heating in tumble driers and producing hot water. This means
that individual machines can be operated, often at a much higher temperature, without
having to supply steam to the whole factory.
Gas is also more efficient and effective than steam in the tumble dryer, which can lead to
problems and health and safety risks if not correctly managed.
Gas has a strong characteristic smell and any leaks should be reported immediately. Gas
is highly explosive and the smallest spark from an electrical fault or a burning cigarette
can cause a major incident.
If thermostats and controls fail to operate correctly, loads of work in the tumbler can be
scorched and, in extreme situations, catch on fire.
Like electricity, gas cannot be seen or felt and seldom is it possible to hear a small gas
leak. Your sense of smell is your first best defence.
Any smell of gas should be reported immediately.
Answer sheets p. 2.60
GC8N 22 — Laundry Operations Level 2 2.19