Hygiene and Safety Standards

This guide ensures all contractors understand hygiene and safety requirements for delivering contact-free laundry services to People with Disabilities, Aged and Home Care customers.

Why Hygiene and Safety Matter

Even with contact-free service, proper hygiene and safety practices protect everyone involved. Our standards prevent infection spread while maintaining professional service delivery.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

What PPE equipment do you need?

The following Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be available at all times and stored within the vehicle used for delivery of laundry services.

• Disposable gloves 
• Hand sanitiser
• Face masks

When to use gloves?

• Sorting dirty laundry
• Handling contaminated or soiled items
• Cleaning equipment
• Servicing at risk customers 
• When customers or participants request

How to Use Gloves Safely:

1. Use new gloves for each customer
2. Check for tears before use
3. Put on with clean, dry hands
4. Change between different customers 
5. Remove by turning inside out
6. Dispose immediately after removal
7. Clean hands after removal

Face Masks

Use when handling items from isolation settings, during outbreaks, or when requested by customers or their support.

Masks are recommended for pickup and delivery in high-risk settings including:

• Residential aged care facilities
• Disability care facilities and group homes
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• When province/territory health authorities recommend
• Any location during declared outbreaks

Ensure correct mask use:

1. Apply before entering high-risk premises
2. Ensure complete coverage of nose, mouth and chin
3. Maintain throughout entire service
4. Remove only after leaving the premises
5. Follow current health advice from authorities

Guide: Donning and doffing personal protective equipment in primary care

General Etiquette & Hygiene

Stay home if unwell: If you're not well please reach out to the support team to assist with reassigning your bookings.

Respiratory Etiquette: Cover coughs and sneezes with tissue or elbow to avoid contaminating working areas or items of clothing. Dispose of tissues immediately and clean hands.

Proper Handwashing: Wash with soap and water for 20-30 seconds, scrubbing all surfaces including between fingers and under nails. Use hand sanitiser when soap is unavailable.

Clean Your Hands:

• Before and after each service
• After removing PPE
• After touching contaminated items
• Before eating or drinking
• After using the toilet
• After coughing or sneezing

Service Pick & Delivery

Ensure the following guidelines are considered and followed throughout the service.

Pickup:

1. Always maintain a contact-free approach.
2. Apply PPE if needed before approaching during a pickup.
3. Assess if items are contaminated and place them into a container.
4. Handle bags minimally - don't open or shake before transport unnecessarily.
5. Remove PPE safely and sanitise hands.

Transport:

• Keep pickup and delivery items separated at all times.
• Ensure that any soiled items are separated during pickup and use sealed containers to safely store during transport.
• Store PPE separately from laundry.

Delivery:

• Always maintain a contact-free approach.
• Apply PPE if needed before approaching during a delivery.
• Ensure hands are clean.

Emergency Procedures

If Exposed to Contamination:

1. Remove contaminated items immediately
2. Wash affected area thoroughly
3. Seek medical advice if needed
4. Submit an incident report