INDUSTRIAL LAUNDERERS
SIC CODE 7218
AND
POWER LAUNDRIES
FAMILY AND COMMERCIAL
SIC CODE 7211
Section 9
7218 - Industrial Launderers
7211 - Power Laundries Family and Commercial
SAFETY RULES, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES
The safety rules contained on these pages have been prepared to protect you in your daily work. Employees are to follow these rules, review them often and use good common sense in carrying out assigned duties.
ALL EMPLOYEES
Housekeeping...... 3
Lifting Procedures...... 3
Ladders and Step Ladders...... 4
OFFICE PERSONNEL
Office Safety...... 4
Electrical Safety...... 5
WASHING, CLEANING, and DRYING PERSONNEL
Housekeeping...... 5
Personal Protective Equipment...... 5
Bundle Handling...... 6
Lifting Equipment...... 6
Machine Safety...... 6
Infection Control...... 7
Hazardous Materials...... 7
TAILORING PERSONNEL
Housekeeping...... 7
Scissors/Sharp Instruments...... 7
Machine Guarding...... 7
PRESSING and FINISHING PERSONNEL
General Rules......
Machine Safety...... 8
SERVICE PICK-UP and DELIVERY PERSONNEL
Driving Safety...... 8
Vehicle Safety...... 9
Conveyor Operations...... 9
WAREHOUSE PERSONNEL
Warehouse Safety......
Hand Truck Operations...... 10
Carts...... 10
Steel Drums...... 10
MAINTENANCE/REPAIR PERSONNEL
Machine Safety...... 10
Ladders and Step Ladders...... 11
Electrical Powered Tools...... 11
Hand Tool Safety...... 12
Lockout/Tagout...... 12
Personal Protective Equipment...... 12
Hazardous Materials...... 12
Driving Safety...... 13
COUNTER PERSONNEL
General Rules...... 13
ALL EMPLOYEES
Housekeeping
1.Do not place material such as boxes or trash in walkways and passageways.
2.Do not kick objects out of your pathway; pick them up or push them out of the way.
3.Do not throw matches, cigarettes or other smoking materials into trash baskets.
3.Mop up water around drinking fountains, drink dispensing machines and ice machines.
4.Do not store or leave items on stairways.
5.Do not block or obstruct stairwells, exits or accesses to safety and emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers or fire alarms.
6.Keep walking surfaces clear of boxes and equipment that are not being used.
7.Straighten or remove rugs and mats that do not lie flat on the floor.
Lifting Procedures
General
1.Plan the move before lifting; remove obstructions from your chosen pathway.
2.Test the weight of the load before lifting by pushing the load along its resting surface.
3.If the load is too heavy or bulky, use lifting and carrying aids such as hand trucks, dollies, pallet jacks and carts or get assistance from a co-worker.
4.If assistance is required to perform a lift, coordinate and communicate your movements with those of your co-worker.
5.Never lift anything if your hands are greasy or wet.
6.Wear protective gloves when lifting objects with sharp corners or jagged edges.
7.Do not lift an object from the floor to a level above your waist in one motion. Set the load down on a table or bench and then adjust your grip before lifting it higher.
When Lifting
1.Position your feet 6 to 12 inches apart with one foot slightly in front of the other.
2.Face the load.
3.Bend at the knees, not at the back.
4.Keep your back straight.
5.Get a firm grip on the object with your hands and fingers. Use handles when present.
6.Perform lifting movements smoothly and gradually; do not jerk the load.
7.Hold objects as close to your body as possible.
8.If you must change direction while lifting or carrying the load, pivot your feet and turn your entire body. Do not twist at the waist.
9.Set down objects in the same manner as you picked them up, except in reverse.
Ladders and Step Ladders
1.Do not use ladders that have loose rungs, cracked or split side rails, missing rubber foot pads, or are otherwise visibly damaged.
2.Keep ladder rungs clean of grease. Remove buildup of material such as dirt or mud.
3.When performing work from a ladder, face the ladder and do not lean backward or sideways from the ladder.
4.Do not stand on the top two rungs of any ladder.
5.Do not stand on a ladder that wobbles, or that leans to the left or right.
6.Do not try to "walk" a ladder by rocking it. Climb down the ladder, and then move it.
7.Allow only one person on the ladder at a time.
Climbing a Ladder
1.Face the ladder when climbing up or down.
2.Maintain a three-point contact by keeping both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand on the ladder at all times when climbing up or down.
3.Do not carry items in your hands while climbing up or down a ladder.
OFFICE PERSONNEL
Office Safety
General
1.Store sharp objects such as pens, pencils, letter openers or scissors in drawers or with the points down in a container.
2.Carry pencils, scissors and other sharp objects with the points down.
3.Do not jump from ladders or step stools.
4.Do not run on stairs or take more than one step at a time.
5.Use handrails when ascending or descending stairs or ramps.
6.Obey all posted safety and danger signs.
Furniture Use
1.Open one file cabinet drawer at a time.
2.Close drawers and doors immediately after use.
3.Use the handle when closing doors, drawers and files.
4.Put heavy files in the bottom drawers of file cabinets.
5.Do not tilt the chair you are sitting in on its back two legs.
6.Do not stand on furniture to reach high places. Use a ladder or step stool to retrieve or store items that are located above your head.
Supply Handling
1.Do not lift more than one box of paper at a time. If you have to carry more than one box of paper, use the hand truck.
2.Do not block your view by carrying large or bulky items; use a dolly or hand truck or get assistance from a fellow employee.
Supply Stocking
1.When manually stocking shelves, position the materials to be shelved slightly in front of you so you do not have to twist when lifting and stacking materials.
2.Remove one box of paper or supplies at a time from shelves.
3.Do not let boxes or items overhang from shelves into walkways.
4.Place supplies or items on shelves so that they lie flat and do not lean against each other.
5.Do not try to catch a box, case or package if it is falling. Get out of the way.
6.Place heavier loads on the lower or middle shelves.
Electrical Safety
1.Do not use extension or power cords that have the ground prong removed or broken off.
2.Do not use frayed, cut or cracked electrical cords.
3.Use a cord cover or tape the cord down when running electrical or other cords across aisles, between desks or across entrances/exits.
4.Do not connect multiple electrical devices into a single outlet.
Equipment Use
1.Use a staple remover, not your fingers, for removing staples.
2.Turn off and unplug office machines before adjusting, lubricating or cleaning them.
3.Do not use fans that have excessive vibration, frayed cords or missing guards.
4.Do not place floor type fans in walkways, aisles or doorways.
5.Turn the power switch of the equipment to "off" when it is not being used.
WASHING, CLEANING, and DRYING PERSONNEL
Housekeeping
1.Do not place linen carts, bags or hampers in walkways and passageways.
2.Return carts and baskets to their storage places after use.
3.Upon discovery of wet or soapy floors, take short steps when walking on them.
4.Mop up standing water immediately.
5.Clean up any broken glass using a dustpan and broom. Do not pick up broken glass with your bare hands.
6.Sweep up lint, excess soap and trash from around washing and drying machines by using a broom and a dustpan.
Personal Protective Equipment
1.Use personal protective clothing or equipment such as neoprene gloves, rubber boots, rubber aprons, and protective eyewear, when using chemicals labeled "Corrosive," "Caustic," "Poisonous" or" Flammable."
2.Do not use neoprene gloves, rubber boots, or rubber aprons that have split seams, pin holes, cuts, tears, or other signs of visible damage.
3.Each time you use your gloves, wash your gloves before removing them using cold tap water and normal hand washing motion. Always wash your hands after removing the gloves.
4.Wear earplugs or earmuffs in areas posted "Hearing Protection Required."
Bundle Handling
1.Use a cart, hamper or conveyor system to transport bundles.
2.Move containerized items such as bundles in carts or hampers, by pushing them rather than carrying them.
3.Do not try to catch the bundle if it is falling or slipping. Get out of the way.
4.Use the wheel locking lever of the cart to lock the wheels in order to prevent movement of the cart while removing bundles.
Lifting Equipment
General
1.Do not use chain slings if links are cracked, twisted, stretched or bent.
2.Fabricate all wire in wire rope slings by using thimbles; do not form eyes by using wire clips or knots.
3.Do not shorten slings by using makeshift devices such as knots or bolts.
4.Do not use a kinked chain.
5.Do not place your hands between the sling and its load when the sling is being tightened around the load.
6.Wear work gloves when handling rough, sharp-edged or abrasive material such as chains, cables, ropes or slings.
7.Do not alter or remove the safety latch on hooks. Do not use a hook that does not have a safety latch or if the safety latch is bent.
8.Lift the load from the center of the hook, not from the point.
Machine Safety
1.Do not remove, alter or bypass any safety guards or devices when operating any piece of equipment or machinery.
2.Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry in the washing machine area.
3.Long hair must be contained under a hat or hair net, regardless of gender.
4.Do not try to pull out a garment as it goes through any machine. If the machine becomes jammed, disconnect the power before clearing the jam.
5.Do not try to stop a bundle as it runs on the conveyor system. If the conveyor belt becomes jammed, disconnect the power before clearing the jam.
6.Do not operate a dryer with the door open.
7.After the dryer stops, allow the contents to cool for a few minutes before emptying the dryer.
8.Do not put your head, arms or other body parts into conveyor driven bundles/bags or moving drums of dryers.
9.Do not climb on conveyors, racks or in tumblers for any reason.
Infection Control
1.Visually inspect for sharp objects or other hazards before putting hands into soiled garments and pockets.
2.Do not pick up blood-laden clothes with your bare hands. Wear neoprene gloves when handling blood-laden articles.
3.When picking up towels and bed linens, grab two corners of the sheet or towel and lightly shake it to remove any needles, razor blades, or broken glass that may be bundled in it.
4.Wear latex gloves when handling garments or items visibly stained with blood or other bodily fluids.
Hazardous Materials
1.Follow the instructions on the label and in the corresponding Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each chemical product such as hydrogen peroxide, perchloroethylene, and any petroleum solvents used in your workplace.
2.Do not use chemicals from unlabeled containers.
3.Follow the safe handling instructions listed on the label of the container or listed on the corresponding Safety Data Sheet when handling each chemical.
4.Do not smoke while handling chemicals labeled "Flammable."
5.Do not store chemicals labeled "Flammable" near sources of ignition such as hot steam pipes, presses, irons or boiler rooms.
6.Do not store chemical containers labeled "Oxidizer" with containers labeled "Corrosive" or "Caustic."
7.Do not handle or load any containers of chemicals if their containers are cracked or leaking.
8.When adding solvents or bleach to liquids, add small portions to prevent splashing.
TAILORING PERSONNEL
Housekeeping
1.Sweep up threads and fabric scraps from around equipment such as sewing machines by using a broom and a dustpan.
2.Return pins and needles to their storage place after use.
Scissors/Sharp Instruments
1.When handling scissors and other cutting tools, direct sharp points away from you.
2.Cut in the direction away from your body when using scissors.
3.Do not use scissors with broken or loose handles.
4.Do not use scissors as screwdrivers, pry bars or can openers.
5.Carry scissors with their tips pointed towards the floor.
6.Do not carry scissors or other sharp tools in pockets or aprons unless they are first placed in their sheath or holder.
Machine Safety
1.Replace the nip point guards before starting your machine or after making adjustments or repairs.
2.Do not remove, alter or bypass any safety guards or devices when operating any piece of equipment or machinery.
3.Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry when using the sewing machine.
4.Long hair must be contained under a hat or hair net, regardless of gender.
5.Read and obey safety warnings posted on or near any machinery.
6.Do not try to stop a work piece as it goes through the sewing machine. If the machine becomes jammed, disconnect the power before clearing the jam.
PRESSING and FINISHING PERSONNEL
General Rules
1.Drink plenty of clear liquids during your breaks.
2.Do not handle hot items such as hot water lines or steam presses with your bare hands; use the cloth gloves.
3.Before returning irons to storage, test irons for heat by putting the bottom surface of the iron to a dry cloth and touching the cloth. If the cloth is hot, allow the iron to cool before placing it in storage.
4.Do not place material such as linen carts, or trash in walkways and passageways.
5.Return carts and baskets to their storage places after use.
Machine Safety
1.Before using the steam presser, manually flip the exhaust fan motor switch to the "ON" position.
2.Do not remove, alter or bypass any safety guards such as two handed controls or emergency stop switches when operating any piece of equipment or machinery.
3.Long hair must be contained under a hat or hair net, regardless of gender.
4.Read and obey safety warnings posted on or near any machinery.
5.Do not climb on conveyors for any reason.
SERVICE PICK-UP and DELIVERY PERSONNEL
Driving Safety
Fueling Vehicles
1.Turn the vehicle off before fueling.
2.Do not smoke while fueling a vehicle.
3.Wash hands with soap and water if you spill gasoline on your hands.
Driving Rules
1.Obey all traffic patterns and signs at all times.
2.Maintain a three point contact using both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand when climbing into and out of vehicles.
3.Shut all doors and fasten your seat belt before moving the vehicle.
4.Look in the direction that you are driving.
Vehicle Safety
1.Only assigned personnel are permitted to operate a company vehicle.
2.Do not ride in the bed of a pick-up truck.
3.Obey all signs posted in the parking lot when parking cars.
4.Turn headlights on when driving in parking garages.
5.Do not open doors or exit a vehicle while it is in motion.
6.Keep hands, fingers and arms away from the edge of the lift gate platform.
7.Do not lower the lift gate until everyone is clear of its landing area.
8.Secure carts and bundles to the vehicle with chains or straps to eliminate or minimize shifting of the load.
9.Use ramps to load and unload carts and bundles from the truck.
Conveyor Operations
1.When using a belt driven conveyor to load materials onto a truck or trailer bed, the person inside the truck or trailer shall give verbal commands to the person loading the conveyor.
2.Do not ride on any conveyors.
3.Do not climb over floor conveyor equipment.
4.When loading or taking down bags from the conveyor wear protective gloves.
WAREHOUSE PERSONNEL
Warehouse Safety
General
1.When manually stocking shelves, position the materials to be shelved slightly in front of you so you do not have to twist when lifting and stacking materials.
2.Do not try to kick objects out of pathways. Push or carry them out of the way.
3.Do not let items overhang from shelves into walkways.
4.Move slowly when approaching blind corners.
5.Place heavier loads on the lower or middle shelves.
6.Remove one object at a time from shelves.
7.Place items on shelves so that they lie flat and do not lean against each other.
Hazardous Materials
1.Follow the safe handling instructions listed on the label of the container or listed on the corresponding Safety Data Sheet when handling each chemical stored in the stockroom.
2.Do not smoke while handling chemicals labeled "Flammable."
3.Do not store chemicals labeled "Flammable" near sources of ignition such as space heaters and sparking tools.
4.Do not drag containers labeled "Flammable."