Laundry Equipment, Tools and Safety
This domain tests equipment selection, daily checks and the safety rules that prevent injury and damage in a laundry workshop.
Core rules
- Core machines include washer-extractors, hydro extractors, tumble dryers, steam boilers, steam presses, vacuum ironing tables and calendering machines.
- Small tools include spotting tables, spray guns, soft brushes, marking tags, weighing scales, hangers and stain-removal kits.
- Check machines before use: water level, steam pressure, safety valve, drain, lint filter and electrical earthing.
- Keep acids and chlorine bleach apart. Store solvents in a ventilated area away from ignition sources.
- Wear gloves, goggles and an apron when handling caustic soda, bleach or solvents. Keep the safety data sheet accessible.
- Use carbon dioxide extinguishers on electrical fires, never water.
Worked example
A boiler pressure gauge climbs while the safety valve does not lift. Reasoning: the safety valve is a critical pressure-relief device, so the boiler must be shut down and the valve inspected by a competent person. Do not continue production or tamper with the setting. Check water level and steam line as secondary checks only after the boiler is safe.
Traps that cost marks
- Bypassing a safety valve or pressure switch to keep working.
- Storing bleach next to acid.
- Using water on an electrical fire.
- Working without personal protective equipment around caustic or solvent.