S.D. Admin. R. 44:78:02:07

Current through Register Vol. 51, page 64, December 9, 2024

Section 44:78:02:07 - Laundry

Personal clothing shall be transported to the laundry equipment in a closed container.

The facility shall process laundry following the laundry equipment and cleaning agent recommendations. If hot water is used for disinfection, all common use linens and combined patients' personal clothing shall be processed for disinfection using either hot water at 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees centigrade) or chlorine bleach shall be introduced to the process to provide 100 parts per million free chlorine with the water temperature reduced to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or department approved laundry disinfectant. Air flow in the linen processing shall be from clean processing areas toward the soiled holding and sorting area. Clean linens shall be covered during transport to storage areas. Laundry services shall have adequate space and equipment for the safe and effective operation of the laundry service.

The facility may choose to wash commingled patients' personal clothing, common-use linen, and any isolation clothing in water temperatures less than 120° F. if the following conditions are met:

(1) The supplier of the chemical specifies low-temperature wash formulas in writing for the machines used in the facility;

(2) Charts providing specific information concerning the formulas to be used for each machine are posted in an area accessible to staff;

(3) The facility ensures that laundry staff receives in-service training by the chemical supplier on a routine basis, regarding chemical usage and monitoring of wash operations; and

(4) The facility ensures that staff monitors chemical usage and wash water temperatures at least monthly to ensure conformance with the chemical supplier's instructions.

Any resident's personal clothing that is not commingled may be processed according to manufacturer's recommendations using water temperatures and detergent in quantity as recommended by the garment or detergent manufacturer. The facility shall have distinct areas for the storage and handling of clean and soiled linens. Those areas used for the storage and handling of soiled linens shall be negatively pressurized. The facility shall establish special procedures for the handling and processing of contaminated linens. Soiled linen shall be placed in closed containers prior to transportation. To safeguard clean linens from cross contamination, the linens shall be transported in containers used exclusively for clean linens, shall be kept covered with dust covers at all times while in transit or in hallways, and shall be stored in areas designated exclusively for this purpose. A written request for any modification of the requirements of this section shall be received and approved by the department before any changes are made.

S.D. Admin. R. 44:78:02:07

42 SDR 51, effective 10/13/2015

General Authority: SDCL 34-12-13(1) and (4).

Law Implemented: SDCL 34-12-13(1) and (4).