Managing COVID-19 Safety
How Blueline Laundry plays a critical role in Tasmania’s coronavirus infection control regime.
As a laundry experienced in servicing the major public and private hospitals and aged care facilities statewide, Blueline Laundry quickly became an advisor to Public Health as we employed our procedures to identify, control and manage the laundering of infectious linen and suppress community transmission.
At the same time, we ensured the health and safety of our workforce with enhanced workplace protocols implemented to protect the staff as the business continued to serve primary health providers and quarantine hotels.
Factors in navigating the coronavirus crisis
Accredited Washing Procedures
Our production processes are computerised, with pre-set programs ensuring that all of our laundering complies with the highest standards of health and safety, with ISO9001 accreditation across all sites. Our chemical partner Ecolab provides wash formulas that meet hospital-grade hygiene and Australian Standards, eliminating infectious viruses up to and including COVID-19.
Workplace Safety
The rest of our workforce is protected by general COVID-19 safety guidelines. The work environment has seen an increase in the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting, and new screening for contractors on arrival. As an employer of vulnerable people, we provide face masks and shields and promote hand washing and sanitizing. Social distancing is practiced throughout all areas of the laundry, however our staff admit to finding it particularly challenging in the lunch room, where they enjoy socializing during their breaks.
PPE for Front-line Staff
Transporting, unloading and sorting soiled linen is the highest risk area within the laundry process. In response to this increased risk, we now have medical grade PPE for all frontline workers, who now wear gloves, long sleeved gowns, face mask, eye protection and boots while in the pre-wash area.
Alginate Bags
Alginate Bags are used for infection control, to collect, transport and safely wash contaminated linen. Blueline Laundry and Oak Possibility came together to ensure continuity of employment for those working with a disability, with the Oak sewing team of six supported workers moving to Blueline Laundry. This expansion has enable us to supply our own Blueline produced Alginate Bags directly to our customers.
