Process auditing extends the service life of warning and electrostatic discharge clothing

Published: 26-Nov-2014
Personal Protection Cleaning

Hohenstein Institute develops new treatment process for commercial laundries

The Hohenstein Institute in Germany has developed a new process audit to help commercial laundries improve the way they clean warning and electrostatic discharge (ESD) clothing, especially in the contract laundering sector. The audit is intended for customer-specific treatment processes, but applies regardless of the manufacturer of the textiles being processed.

For personal protective equipment (PPE) warning clothing, the audit uses a new test fabric consisting of standard commercially available woven and knitted fabric in all three fluorescent warning colours (yellow, orange-red and red) and including the retro-reflective tape.

This test fabric is soiled with up to six stains containing dense oil and soot particles and is put through the customer's cleaning process 25 times. Standardised tests in accordance with DIN EN ISO 20471 are then carried out on the test fabric at the Hohenstein Institute.

By analysing the light density factor, the colour shades and the greying, conclusions can be drawn about the resistance of the PPE's functionality.

As well as using the test fabric, all aspects of the washing and drying processes such as thermal and mechanical characteristics and the use of chemicals and detergents are analysed. If necessary, experts at the Hohenstein Institute can offer advice on site on how to optimise these.

For professional ESD clothing, a commercially available test coverall goes through the customer's cleaning process, again 25 times. The coverall then undergoes standardised tests in accordance with DIN Norm 61340-5-1 and its protective functionality is examined. Here too, Hohenstein consultants can help to improve the cleaning process on site on the basis of the analysis.

The commercial laundries receive a certificate confirming that their cleaning process is set up in such a way that the protective function and service life of the PPE or ESD clothing are preserved and extended.

This certificate is valid for a year and provides evidence that the commercial laundry offers maximum effectiveness in its cleaning processes.

  • Companies:
  • Hohenstein Institute
See more

You may also like

Infection Control

New test method developed for hand disinfection

Read more
The Hohenstein Institut für Textilinnovation says the method involves the use of a synthetic skin whose properties correspond to those of human skin in terms of pH value, topography, fat content and moisture management

Trending Articles

  1. You need to be a subscriber to read this article.
    Click here to find out more.
    What is ISO 8 cleanroom classification? Each cleanroom class is denoted by a maximum concentration of particles per cubic meter or cubic foot of air. ISO 8 is the second lowest cleanroom classification
  2. You need to be a subscriber to read this article.
    Click here to find out more.
    Battling biofilms in cleanrooms Michelle Locke from Teknomek discusses how it is possible to combat the persistent threat of biofilms with the right cleanroom furniture, equipment, and cleaning protocols
  3. The details of dust extraction in controlled environments To choose the right machine, the nature of the dust and the statutory regulations for its handling and removal, as well as classification of the machine and filter technology, must be considered. Daniel Took from archer reminds us, the lower the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for dust, the higher the health risk
  4. Sterile transfer expert ABC Transfer chooses exclusive distributor in Italy Amira has been chosen by ABC to be the exclusive distributor of ABC Transfer Rapid Transfer Port products in Italy
  5. New accreditation launched detailing how to apply ISO 14644 to data centres Capitoline has added a new accreditation to its training course on how to apply ISO 14644 air sampling and monitoring practices to the data centre environment

Upcoming event

EMPQ Essentials and Real-World Strategies for Successful Cleanroom Qualifications

16 January 2025 | Virtual See all

You may also like

Infection Control

New test method developed for hand disinfection

The Hohenstein Institut für Textilinnovation says the method involves the use of a synthetic skin whose properties correspond to those of human skin in terms of pH value, topography, fat content and moisture management
You need to be a subscriber to read this article.
Click here to find out more.
Personal Protection

Researching reusable operating theatre clothing

Disposable protective clothing is being adopted more readily by hospitals despite the fact that it flies in the face of German waste laws. Now a new funded project hopes to develop reusable clothing that is more comfortable and environmentally friendly
Regulatory

Chinese laundry service awarded RAL Quality Certification

Jesse Healthcare Linen Services consistently meets high standards of quality and efficiency
You need to be a subscriber to read this article.
Click here to find out more.
Personal Protection

Developing textiles that reduce the spread of viruses

Scientists from the Hohenstein Institute in Germany have, for the first time, developed a textile finish with both an antiviral and an antibacterial function
Personal Protection

Nanoparticles pose little or no risk to human health or ecosystems, finds research

Hohenstein Institute releases results of long term nanoparticle study
You need to be a subscriber to read this article.
Click here to find out more.
Personal Protection

Breaking the chain of infection

The clothing worn by healthcare staff plays an important role in breaking infection chains. The Hohenstein Institute has investigated the extent of the problem and ways of resolving it
You need to be a subscriber to read this article.
Click here to find out more.
Cleaning

Testing for spores in laundry water

Among the most common microbiological contaminations in commercial laundries are bacteria that turn into permanent forms, so-called spores, under life-threatening conditions. These endospores formed by the bacteria are extremely resistant, for example, to hot and cold temperatures, or to drying out. This high chemical and thermal resistance means that spores are not safely inactivated or killed during disinfecting washing processes
Subscribe now