Prevention Guide - Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs - Irsst

14. LAUNDRY
14 LAUNDRY
14.1 Issues and Risks
Management of the bedding of patients who have received hazardous drugs may expose workers to traces of
hazardous drugs. According to studies conducted in Holland, contamination of laundry workers appears to occur
primarily through inhalation of particles present on the sheets when these are sorted or moved about before being
washed. There is no contamination left on the sheets following prewashing (Fransman, 2006).
Laundry facilities vary according to institutional size and mission. A number of institutions have washing tunnels,
with no contact or sorting prior to prewashing. In these instances, the risk of exposure is very low, if not nonexistent.
Small institutions, however, may have machines that require manual loading and may sort the laundry
prior to washing. Here, steps must be taken to prevent contact with the potentially contaminated sheets or clothing.
14.2 Exposed Workers
‣ Laundry workers
14.3 Preventive Measures
14.3.1 Protective Equipment RATING: ++
Wear proper equipment for prewash handling.
RECOMMENDATIONS
14.3.1.1 Laundry workers in health care institutions must wear a protective gown and one (1)
pair of disposable gloves for the prewash handling of the bedding or clothing of a
patient who has received hazardous drugs during the previous 48 hours or more (see
11.3.1.1). The regular equipment used to handle linens is sufficient. The workers must
remove the protective equipment following such handling to avoid contaminating
themselves or the work environment.
ONS, p. 29 ♦ OSHA, Section Vc3
14.3.2 Bedding Management RATING: ++
Reduce the risk of exposure for workers handling bedding exposed to hazardous drugs.
RECOMMENDATIONS
14.3.2.1 In health care institutions, bedding exposed to hazardous drugs may be washed with
bedding which has not been exposed to hazardous drugs, since the amount of detergent
is the same and is based on maximum soiling. The procedures recommended by
Health Canada* for all linens soiled with blood, body fluids, secretions or excreta
should be followed. The bedding should be moved and shaken as little as possible, as
this may release contaminated particles.
For precautions in the home, see Section 11.3.3.1.
ONS, p. 29 ♦ OSHA, Section Vc3
* Health Canada: Infection Control Guidelines. Hand Washing, Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization in Health Care,
December 1998, p. 34 to 36.
PREVENTION GUIDE – SAFE HANDLING OF HAZARDOUS DRUGS ASSTSAS 14-1