The working-conditions checklist for laundries
The working-conditions checklist for laundries
General information
Name of the company:
Address of the enterprise:
Telephone:
Fax:
Form completed by (name(s) and position(s))
Consultations held with staff?
Date form completed:
Checked by the Safety, Health and Welfare Service (Arbodienst) ( this is a legal obligation)
Working in a laundry is associated with physical stress as a result of bending, having to stand all day, being in a hot and damp environment with little variation in tasks .... unsafe and unhealthy working situations can lead to staff reporting sick and to accidents in your company.
In small laundries, the following points in particular should be examined:
physical stress: long periods spent standing and repeated bending can cause back complaints;
highly repetitive activities are boring in the long run and employees can “switch-off”;
a damp and hot atmosphere which is not helpful to enthusiasm and health.
General safety and that of machinery in particular: many accidents can be prevented!
The storage and use of dangerous substances and the emergency precautions related to this: a splash of chlorine in the eye can often result from sloppy work practices.
Good working conditions and pleasant relationships at work can make staff feel more involved.
A risk assessment (RA) ensures that you are aware of where there are risks to the safety, health and welfare of your employees and what can be done about it. In the Working Conditions Act (Arbowet) it is accordingly stated that as of 1 January 1998, all companies must conduct a risk assessment as an initial step towards sound working conditions.
This inventory has been specially developed for companies with fewer than 10 employees. A more extensive manual for conducting the risk assessment is also available for larger companies. If you would like one, contact the Vaste Commissie voor Linnenverhuur- en Wasserijbedrijven en voor textielreinigingsbedrijven, P.O. Box 90154, 5000 LG Tilburg.
Completion of this list means that you are making a start on improving working conditions. In doing so, you are complying with the legal obligation to draw up a risk assessment. You determine, after completing the form, which are the most serious risks in your company. You include these priorities in your action plan. The action plan will also include the precautionary measures that you will take to eliminate the risk or to reduce it.
If you are not sure that you are capable of assessing particular subsections, call in an expert, for example from the Safety, Health and Welfare Service.
In a nutshell, the aim of the RA is that you should examine:
- what dangers there are in your company;
- how great the dangers are, whose health could be damaged and how;
- whether you have taken sufficient precautionary measures so that the risk is a very small one;
- what priorities you set out in the action plan (what is it you intend to tackle first?)
A. Fill in the list stage by stage. This can be done all at once, but it need not be. Examine each part of your company with a critical “safety eye”.
B. Involve staff in completing the risk assessment; they know a great deal and, moreover, will soon have to (help) implement the measures. The Working Conditions Act obliges you to involve your staff in the risk assessment.
For each activity or workstation, you can identify:
1. If the risk mentioned exists in your company.
2. If you must give your staff information and/or training (these items are marked with an *).
3. Which measures you are going to take to eliminate or reduce the risk.
Where there are dotted lines, you can make supplementary notes of your own. If you see potentially dangerous situations in your company which are not mentioned the working conditions checklist, you can fill these in yourself. Solutions that have been found in your company can also be noted.
C. Discuss the completed list with your employees. Ask whether it needs supplementing, for example concerning the atmosphere at work, the need for information, the work rate or work breaks. Also determine whether there are other activities in your company which are not mentioned in the working conditions checklist: for example a shop.
D. Set down in the action plan on page ? ?, the measures that you intend to take and when you intend to have completed the implementation of these improvements. It is not necessary to improve everything at once. What is important, is to make a start.
As soon as you have completed the risk assessment, you will have a clear picture of the working conditions in your company and the items that still need attention if these working conditions are to be optimised. The action plan gives you a good overview of the activities you intend to undertake to improve the working conditions in your laundry.
Repeat the risk assessment!
– Whenever there are important changes within your company; e.g. the purchase of new machines or major conversion works;
– After accidents or “close-calls” in order to prevent these recurring;
– Regularly, e.g. once every four years.
This risk assessment comprises nine parts.
1. Loading/unloading, delivery of dirty washing to the laundry, its storage and delivering clean washing to the client
2. Sorting dirty washing
3. Washing in washing machines or continuous batch washers
4. Shaking, wringing, folding and stacking
5. Ironing, pressing and pressing on coat units
6. Office
7. Facilities in the building
8. Dangerous substances
9. General employer/employee relations (including absence on medical grounds, company assistance to staff)
[K1] Overview of staff members and their duties
[K2] Position Special aspects * Primary responsibility Other activities
[K2] Work safety issues Measures and advice to prevent/reduce the risk
Done/still to do Information
Driver’s cab
Loading plate of trucks
Maintenance plan
Traffic safety
Insure that the first step up to the cab is at a good height (maximum 40 cm).
Install a properly adjustable seat.
Enhance operating comfort of the cab.
Ensure the best possible view of the road (side windows or mirrors) and of traffic signs.
Use mechanical aids when loading and unloading: hydraulic loading plate.
Draw up a maintenance plan for the truck(s) and carry it out.
Organise a skid-control course for the driver(s)
Make sure the vehicles are equipped with ABS.
Loading and unloading location
Transporting the washing
Lifting the load
Bending and stretching when loading and unloading
Make sure the forecourt is smooth
Create an area for storing the washing that will not be an obstacle to other containers or other traffic.
Arrange for thoroughfares to be clear and kept clear (where there is one-way traffic, the width of the widest vehicle +60cm; in the case of 2-way traffic, the width of the 2 widest vehicles +90cm).
The goods to be lifted must not weigh more than 25 kg.
Ensure that carts have freely rotating wheels.
Make agreements with clients concerning packaging and weight.
Make sure that lifting and bending is done in an ergonomic manner.
Monitor that staff are bending and lifting in the correct way.
When collecting and delivering loads, work is being conducted in a range of climatic conditions.
Make sure that there is an “airlock” within which loading and unloading can take place. If you use a “flexible curtain” are other staff exposed to a draught?
Provide clothing to protect against cold and rain. The clothing should be moisture absorbent to prevent loss of body temperature (e.g. body warmers).
Provide suitable footwear.
Tempo
“Difficult customers”
Plan activities in a different way. *
Conclude agreements with delivery addresses (including easily accessible pick-up points).*
Have drivers been trained how to deal with difficult clients?*
Institute a complaints procedure so that clients’ complaints are not always vented on the driver.*
Discuss experiences so that the burden does not fall entirely on the driver.*
Even floor
Wheeled equipment
Room to manoeuvre
Swing doors
Make the floor even
Maintain roller and rail systems and replace them where necessary.
Arrange for thoroughfares to be clear and kept clear (where there is one-way traffic), the width of the widest vehicle +60cm; in the case of 2-way traffic, the width of the 2 widest vehicles +90cm).
Transparent swing doors/windows.
[K2] Work safety issues Measures and advice to prevent/reduce the risk
Done/still to do Information
Weight
Dangerous contents (needles, contaminated material, etc.)
Use of personal protective equipment
How to cope with accidents (e.g. puncture wounds)
Make agreements with client institutions over the packaging and delivery of potentially contaminated washing and any needles (in a hard container marked “sharps”.)
Enforce the agreements!
Inform staff beforehand. Including temporary workers!*
Inform staff beforehand about the use of personal protective equipment: work clothing/overalls and gloves and ensure that this is done. Set a good example. *
Ensure that work is done in a hygienic manner: hands should be frequently washed with soap and water, check that there is no eating, drinking or smoking at this workplace and that sanitary facilities are clean.
Set out what is to be done in the event of a puncture wound (protocol).
Standing for long periods
Stretching
Lifting heavy items
Dragging tubs of washing over the floor
Personal protective equipment.
Workers required to stand for long periods must be able to sit down if they are required to stand for more than one hour without a break or if they must work in one location for more than four hours.
If no chair is available, a standing support must be provided.
Try to rotate tasks so employees can carry out a range of activities.*
Dirty washing should be brought in not higher than shoulder height.
Use a narrow delivery belt.
Bags should be picked out of the container using both hands.*
Enforce a maximum bag weight of 25 kg.
Install scales in the floor.
Use wheeled equipment where possible.
Use containers with a sprung base.
Do not sort washing on the floor, instead use netting containers or on a conveyor belt.*
Use so-called “foot-relief flooring”, which stimulates staff to move while they are standing. *
Provide effective, suitable and safe footwear. *
Danger of bags falling from the automatic overhead conveyor.
Install a safety device and ensure that the bags cannot fall on to employees.
[K2] Work safety issues Measures and advice to prevent/reduce the risk
Done/still to do Information
Bending
stretching too far (more than 45 cm).
Standing
Raise the washing machines to a height where it is possible to place a tub with a flexible floor underneath them. If there is no chair, a standing support must be provided.
Use tubs with a sprung floor.
Workers required to stand for long periods must be able to sit down if they are required to stand for more than one hour without a break or if they must work in one location for more than four hours.
Difficult tasks, such as sorting out tangled up sheets, should be dealt with by more than one employee. (Prevent this happening as far as possible)*
Washing machines
Maintenance
All machines must comply with minimum requirements. Machines delivered after 1 January 1995 must bear the CE symbol.
Ensure that a correct emergency switch is located within reach.
Use sound extension cords, plugs and connecting cables.
Rotating, moving or hot parts of machinery must not be able to come in contact with any part of the employee’s body.
Safe operator position
Ensure that the correct housing and sufficient protection is fitted. Replace this immediately after maintenance or repairs.
Organise regular maintenance.
Carry out maintenance on machinery only when the machinery is switched off and have maintenance carried out only by skilled personnel. *
Ensure that the machinery cannot be switched on while a technician is working on it. *
Properly inform anyone working with machinery about the risks and how to work safety with it. *
[K2] Work safety issues Measures and advice to prevent/reduce the risk
Done/still to do Information
Ensure that the necessary instructions for use and safety requirements are posted up close to the machines and that they are clearly legible for the workers concerned. Bear in mind the question of language, the requirements must be able to be understood even by people who do not speak Dutch!
[K3A] Wringing and inserting machines.
Standing (standing while bent forwards)
Stretching a long way (more than 45 cm)
Bending
Sorting out tangled washing.
Adjust the height at which the sheets are brought in, so as to minimise as far as possible any need to bend down. (Inserting height for the inserting/folding machines should not exceed 125 cm).
Place the sheets to be inserted either beside or behind the employee, not in front.
Locate the conveyor belt bringing the washing parallel to the direction in which washing is placed in the inserting machine so as to prevent employees having to stretch or bend down.
The height of the working belt should be appropriate for the employers concerned: 90-95 cm from the floor.
Use tubs with mobile floors.
Ensure that there is sufficient leg room.
Workers required to stand a great deal must be able to sit down if they have to stand for more than one hour at a time or if they have to work at one location for more than four hours. *
If no chair is available, a standing support must be provided. *
Try to rotate tasks as much as possible so that employees can carry out a range of activities. *
[K3A] Folding and stacking
Reaching
Standing (while bent over)
Place the (to be folded) washing next to the worker instead of in front of him/her in order to avoid having to reach out for it.
Replace tables that have a collecting bin in the middle by folding tables fitted with a buffer system to even out the flow rate.
Make the work surface of the folding machines narrower, if necessary only in the central part, to avoid workers having to stretch to reach the washing.
Bring the work surface where the folded washing is taken away to a height of approximately 80 cm.
Workers required to stand a great deal must be able to sit down if they have to stand for more than one hour at a time or if they have to work in one location for more than four hours.*
Use standing supports if the work surface can be lowered to approximately 95 cm.*
Try to rotate tasks so employees can carry out a range of activities.*
Dryers and shaking-out machines
Inserting and folding machines
Risk of being caught or crushed
Maintenance.
All machines must comply with minimum requirements. Machines delivered after 1 January 1995 must bear the CE symbol.
Rotating, moving or hot parts of machinery must not be able to come in contact with any part of the employee’s body.
Ensure that the correct housing and sufficient protection is fitted. Replace this immediately after maintenance or repairs.
Ensure that the correct type of emergency switch is installed and located within reach.
Safe operator position
Carry out maintenance on machinery only when the machinery is switched off. *
Organise regular maintenance.
Manuals and safety requirements
Ensure that the necessary instructions for use and safety requirements are posted up close to the machines and that they are clearly legible and intelligible for all the workers concerned. Properly inform anyone working with machinery about the risks it entails and how to work safely with it. *
(bear in mind long hair and jewellery)
[K2] Work safety issues Measures and advice to prevent/reduce the risk
Done/still to do Information
Reaching
Use of foot-pedals
Standing
Arrange the workplace in such a way that the employee does not have to work above shoulder height: raise the floor where the employee is working.
Replace foot-pedals by hand controls - it is very stressful to stand on one leg.
Use so-called “foot-relief flooring” which encourages employees to move while they are standing. *
Provide appropriate, effective, and safe footwear. *
Pressing machines
Use two-handed operation of pressing machinery. *
Ensure that the necessary instructions for use and safety requirements are posted up close to the machines and that they are clearly legible and intelligible for all the workers concerned.
Properly inform anyone working with machinery about the risks entailed and how to work safely with it. *
(bear in mind long hair and jewellery)
[K2] Work safety issues Measures and advice to prevent/reduce the risk
Done/still to do Information
Chair
Table
Screen
Provide a good chair (e.g. NEN 1812 standard). This must have:
- a seat that is adjustable in height
- a low back
- adjustable depth of seat
- a swivelling support
- at least 5 pedestal arms
Provide a good computer table (e.g. NEN 2449 standard). This must have:
- a depth of 80 cm
- a width of 120 cm
- a light-coloured work surface
- a work surface at least 5 cm in thickness
- at least 60 cm leg and foot room in terms of both depth and width.
Provide a properly adjustable PC (NEN-ISO 9241-3):
- separate keyboard
- screen that can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically and which can rotate
- adjustable brightness and contrast
- located immediately in front of the employee.
Printers:
Matrix printer (noise)
Laser printer (ozone)
Photocopying machine
If possible, noisy and dirty machines such as printers and photocopiers should be located in a separate room. If this is not possible, locate these apparatus as far away as possible from the employee and fit an ozone filter to the photocopier or the laser printer.
Ensure that there is good ventilation.
Arrange the computer furniture in such a way that there is no troublesome source of light or reflection. Place the PC as far away from the window as possible and at right angles to the wall in which the window is placed. The window must not be either in front of or behind the employee.
In order to avoid reflection, use lamps that give no sideways radiation of light (no “cold” neon-tubes).
Ensure that alternative activities can be carried out by employees if they have spent more than two consecutive hours working on screen. If no other work is available, a work break must be taken.
[K2] Work safety issues Measures and advice to prevent/reduce the risk
Done/still to do Information
Heat
Ventilation
Steam
Draft
If undertaking conversion work, separate areas off from each other if possible (compartmentation).
Dirt extractors for moisture or heat and ensure that there is effective ventilation in the area concerned. Pay attention not only to the extraction of air but also to bringing in fresh air. “Overpressure/underpressure grills” can be a way of doing this.
Install effective sunshades.
Install ventilation in the roof.
Ensure that fresh air is brought in in a way that avoids distressing drafts.
Limit drafts by installing swing doors or flaps.
Where possible, improve the insulation around equipment that generates heat.
Daylight/artificial light
All employees must have sufficient lighting to do their work properly and not be dazzled by lights that are too bright or too direct.
Ensure that there is sufficient daylight and view.
Establish a rest area outside the working area that has sufficient ventilation, lighting and space.
Provide tables and chairs and keep the area clean. Stimulate hygiene at work.
Provide all employees with somewhere to hang up/store their clothing.
Provide at least one toilet and washbasin.
Provide at least one shower.
Ensure proper and effective insulation.
Cables and wiring
Electrical plugs and sockets
Fuse boxes
Replace any damaged flexes, socket points, connecting cables etc.
Flexes, connecting cables and wiring should be safely tucked away: not where people walk.
Fit pull-relief systems to any flexes or cables hanging down from a higher level.
Particularly in areas with a damp atmosphere, ensure that all electrical equipment is fitted with suitable external protection against damp.
Site fuse boxes in a closed room.
Ensure that electrical installations are checked regularly.
Nearby noise from machinery caused by:
steam released from pressing machinery
dryers
compressor
ventilator
centrifuge
conveyor belt in motion
ringers
If you have to raise your voice to talk to someone less than a metre away. The noise level must be measured: call in an expert to do this.
If the measurement shows noise level of more than 80 dB(A), you must provide hearing protection, provide information about it and check that it is used.
In excessive of 90 dB(A), employees are legally required to use the hearing protection.
See if the machinery can be better adjusted.
As far as possible, insulate the sources of the noise.
Shorten the work period at this workplace and schedule a large number of breaks.
[K2] Work safety issues Measures and advice to prevent/reduce the risk
Done/still to do Information
E.g.:
- hydrogen peroxide or chlorine
- sodium bisulphate
- washing powders and soaps
possibly oxalic acid
perhaps acid sodium sulphite
Fire resistance
Quantity of substances stored
Do not use the storage space as a working area.
Ensure that different substances are stored separately from one another.
Install an impermeable floor.
Make the area fire-resistant.
Leave dangerous substances only in small quantities at the workplace (sufficient for each day).
Pouring into other containers.
Pouring/sprinkling into the machines.
Ensure there is a drip tray to catch anything that is spilled.
Use personal protective equipment. *
Make sure that there is an emergency eye wash fountain within reach. *
Set up a records system and maintain it: note the names and numbers of the substances, state the dangers and the workplace where they are found and where they are used. *
Identify which workers are dealing with which substance and for how long.
Ensure that all dangerous substances are marked with a danger label. *
Read the safety information leaflets and make these available to employees. *
Keep the labels on the packaging. *
If repackaging or pouring into another container, transfer the labels as well to the new package/container.
Check the labels on returnable packaging.
Thoroughly inform staff about the risks associated with storage and use about personal protective equipment. *
Discuss the delivery method with the supplier (in pollution-protection packaging).
If possible, purchase an automatic batching device.
As far as possible, purchase materials in a form which will not generate dusts or mists, such as pastes and “ready-to-use” solutions.
In every case, choose the least harmful alternative.
[K2] Work safety issues Measures and advice to prevent/reduce the risk
Done/still to do Information
Provide personal protective equipment:*
– gloves
– work clothing (overalls, aprons)
– anti-slip safety shoes (because of long periods spent standing/damp environment)
and ensure it is used.
Provide good emergency facilities: emergency eye fountain should be connected to the water supply.
Provide a shower
You must offer your staff the opportunity for regular medical checks by the Safety, Health and Welfare Service. *
Employees can also themselves make use of the consultation period arranged by the Safety, Health and Welfare Service if they have any complaints about the working conditions or if staff want to learn more about the safety, health or welfare risks associated with their work. *
Give employees the opportunity to discuss working conditions with each other. Institute regular discussion meetings. Bring up yourself issues relating to safety, health and welfare. *
Employees often themselves have good ideas on how improvements can be brought about.
Taking any complaints about pains seriously and check whether these could be caused by the work. This is particularly true of the following complaints: headaches, pains in the hands, wrists, arms, neck or back. *
Ensure that notes are kept of these discussions.
Inform the workforce what kinds of behaviour will not be accepted. *
As far as possible prevent the appearance of aggressive situations and undesired sexual behaviour by ensuring the work force is well informed and that there is supervision of what happens in the workplace. *
Ensure that employees with complaints about aggressive behaviour or sexual harassment (by clients or colleagues) are able to speak to somebody about it in confidence. *
Impose sanctions on any person breaching the standards: critical reports, transfers, dismissal. *
A maximum of nine hours per day and not more than 45 hours per week. Including overtime, a maximum of 10 hours per day and 50 hours per week may be worked but the total time worked over two consecutive weeks must not exceed 90 hours.
Ensure the maximum possible degree of variation in activities. Organise a task-rotation system allowing staff to rotate tasks every few hours, every day or every week. *
[K3] Groups of employees exposed to particular risks
Assess the risks for various vulnerable groups: young people, pregnant women, older workers, foreign workers, temporary workers (from temping agencies, trainees).*
In this context, consider: the use of special machines, special information requirements, physical stress, exposure to dangerous substances.
Keep a record of staff reporting sick and investigate whether the causes for this may be related to their work.
Agree how and to whom staff should report when they fall ill and again when they are ready for work. *
Keep contact with sick employees in accordance with a set plan; by telephone, visits, repeat discussions after long-term illness. *
Discuss the matter with the Safety, Health and Welfare Service (a legal obligation). *
Draw up a plan (who does what and how) to cover the notification, recording and reporting of industrial accidents or near accidents. *
You must report the
following to the Labour Inspectorate:
- fatal accidents
- accidents causing serious injury
- any incident causing major material damage (100 000 guilders or more)
- occupational illnesses
- any aspect causing danger to health.
You must record:
- fatal accidents
- accidents causing serious injury
- other accidents resulting in sick leave having to be taken
- incidents causing major material damage and associated with danger to the health or safety or employees.
Keep escape routes free of obstacles.
Ensure that, in addition to the general access door, there is a second exit for emergencies which during working hours is always free to open.
Keep this emergency exit unencumbered, including externally.
Make sure that there are sufficient first aid facilities (complete first aid box) and fire extinguishers (checked and approved).
Place the extinguishers where they are easily accessible (bear in mind the height). Ensure that while work is going on there is at least one person in the company present who has completed the emergency response course.
Ensure that at least one employee with first aid training is present while work is going on. Ensure that all telephones are marked with the number for raising the alarm (1-1-2).
Determine who should call the emergency services (police, fire brigade, 1-1-2).
Draw up an escape and evacuation plan. Agree where everybody should meet after evacuation.
Hold unannounced practices of the evacuation plan.
1. Together with your staff, draw up a “Top Ten” list: what should be tackled most urgently.
In order to determine this, you can identify the number of people exposed to each risk and those risks which can be expected to give rise to really serious damage to the safety, health and welfare of employees.
When planning further action, do so in the following order:
1. First see whether it is possible to eliminate the risk entirely
2. If that is not possible, what measures can you take to limit the risk as far as possible?
3. The use of personal protective equipment is the last refuge if there is no other short-term action you can take.
Example: Your staff in the folding section are almost constantly required to bend forward and down in order to pick up the washing from the collecting bin. Over time, this can cause back complaints.
1. See if it is possible to install a buffer system so that the washing is placed in small quantities onto a narrow table, thus allowing the employees to stand upright.
2. If this is not possible, the folding table can be made narrower where the employees stand in order to make it easier for the staff to reach the washing.
3. Finally, you can also provide staff with ergonomic footwear to prevent back complaints.
2. Note down the name of the person who is to implement the measure.
3. Note the date by which you wish to see the measure implemented.
4. Consult others in fields where you feel uncertain
5. Discuss this plan with your staff.
6. Submit your action plan to your local Safety, Health and Welfare Service.
[K2] Field of risk and workplace Action Instructions and discussions with staff Seek advice...... to be implemented by ....... date
Example:
Raising small washing machines. Make/have made pedestals to go beneath the machines. Request quotations. Discuss with staff the height needed and the use of the machines. Ask suppliers.
Andrews
1 September 1997
[Back cover]
This working-conditions check list has been drawn up with the assistance of:
Vaste Commissie voor Linnenverhuur- en Wasserijbedrijven en voor textielreinigingsbedrijven
Commissie Veilig en Gezond Werken
Postbus 90154
5000 LG Tilburg
(013) 594 44 25
NVW
Postbus 90154
5000 LG Tilburg
(013) 594 42 83
FNV Industriebond
Postbus 8107
1005 AC Amsterdam
(020) 448 94 89
ArbeidsInspectie Regio Noord
Postbus 30016
9700 RM Groningen
(050) 522 58 80
NIA TNO
Postbus 75665
1070 AR Amsterdam
(020) 549 86 11