Candidate Support Pack - Scottish Qualifications Authority

Tunnel finisher close down routine
Closing down the tunnel finisher and associated feeding and sorting areas involves far
more than just switching off machinery.
It is important that there is communication between the tunnel finisher operatives and the
washroom. The washroom should provide the garments for finishing in a sequence that
matches customer demands, and that will enable service times to be met.
All garments loaded onto hangers should be allowed to pass through the tunnel finisher
before close down or they would air-dry on the hangers and a poor finish would result.
Creasing is a major problem with polyester cotton garments and any washed work left in
barrows overnight or for long periods between shifts will result in additional pressure
creases, which may not be removed by the tunnel finisher. If white work is allowed to airdry
before tunnel finishing, it can turn yellow due to a reaction between any retained
chemicals on the fabric and in the air. Any garments left that have to be finished during
the next shift should be covered down with polythene to retain moisture and prevent
contamination from airborne fluff, lint and dust.
If all the washed garments cannot be processed through the tunnel finisher before closedown,
the supervisor should be informed so that a decision can be taken to maintain the
quality of service your customers expect.
Once all the garments have been passed through the tunnel finisher at the end of a shift or
production run, it should be turned off and allowed to cool down.
A number of garments often fall off hangers into the inside of the tunnel finisher, and these
should be retrieved. This can be done in short tunnel finishers or steam cabinets by using
a rod or stick with a hook on it. In large tunnel finishers, a member of staff will have to
enter the machine.
Before entering the tunnel finisher, it is important to check that all steam and heat to the
machine has been switched off. Inform your supervisor and workmates that you are about
to enter the tunnel and ensure that you remove the operating key to prevent accidental
machine start-up.
As you pass through the tunnel be very careful not to touch the sides of the machine,
which may be hot. As you collect up garments remember that hangers, metal press studs
and zips may also be hot.
At the end of your shift clear away all debris and litter and brush and wipe down all
surfaces. Any lint screens on the tunnel finisher should be cleared to maximise machine
efficiency.
It would help the following shift if all supplies of hangers, polythene, etc were topped up.
Any identified faults on machines should be notified to your supervisor or engineer, and
messages left for the following shift, informing them of faults or production requirements.
GC8N 22 — Laundry Operations Level 2 9.13