Glossary Although every laundry/linen operation varies to some degree on definitions, the following definitions are provided to aid understanding and application of linen system processes. Acid Alkali Alkaline Builders Antichlor Annual Adjusted Patient Days Annual Replacement Cost Automatic Conventional Wash System BTU (British Thermal Unit) A chemical compound which ionizes or dissociates in water to produce hydrogen ions. Considered the chemical opposite of a base, or alkali, with which an acid reacts to form a salt. A chemical compound that neutralizes an acid and is considered its chemical opposite. Dissolves and dissociates in water to form the hydroxyl ion. Solutions of alkaline salts that "build up" the ph and cleaning characteristics of detergents or soaps. Some examples of alkaline builders are caustics, silicates, or carbonates. Neutralize or react with chlorine bleach to eliminate any residual chlorine by the end of the wash cycle. Adjusted patient days are a revenue-driven indicator of hospital activity calculated by the finance department for a 12-month period. Adjusted patient day calculates inpatient and outpatient activity. The total annual purchases of linen items, including bed linens, terry, and patient and staff apparel, for a 12-month period. This term applies ONLY to conventional washing and drying systems from when goods enter the washer/extractor(s) until such goods exit the dryer(s). The adjective automatic is used in conjunction with multiple machines to define the fact that the controls include the ability to move goods between and in conjunction with other machines in a system and/or to move machines themselves without direct operator involvement. This definition refers to the intended design of the system. Such systems typically require some irregular operator intervention. (Source: ANSI Z8.1-2016) Energy to increase temperature of one pound of water by 1 F. It is used as a measure of electric power, steam generation, heating, air conditioning, and in the heat value of fuels. In the laundry industry, BTUs per pound is a key performance indicator in utility monitoring, specifically in regards to gas utilization. 1
Base Baseline Beds Benchmark Best Practice Break Builders Bulk Storage Room Budget Cart Washer Caustic Centrifugal Extractor See Alkali. Basic information gathered before a program begins; it is used later as a comparison for assessing program impact. When you begin to benchmark, find your baseline: pounds per adjusted patient day or pounds per in-patient day. Actual beds staffed by the client facility. This total may differ from the number of beds licensed. A process of comparing an organization s products, services, and practices against those of competitor organizations or other industry leaders to determine what it is they do that allows them to achieve high levels of performance. (Society for Human Resources Management) Internal benchmarking is when organizations benchmark against their own projects. The technique, method, and/or processes utilized to achieve the optimal outcome. The most efficient (least amount of effort) and effective (best results) way of accomplishing a task, based on repeatable procedures that have proven themselves over time for a large number of people. Break products are composed of alkaline builders, sequestering agents, and chelating agents. They neutralize acidic soils, condition water, and saponify greasy soils. They also open the fibers of linen so that soils can be more easily removed. Chemicals, such as complex phosphates or silicates, that enhance or maintain the cleaning efficiency of a detergent. This room allows for the staging of clean linen received prior to stocking or distribution to user areas. Typically includes the identification of expected revenue, cost of sales or revenue, operating expenses, other income and expenses, and net profit. A machine used for washing, rinsing, sanitizing, and drying laundry/linen carts that are used for soiled and/or clean linen transport. (Source: ANSI Z8.1-2016) A very strong alkali. Usually a hydroxide of a light metal, e.g., sodium hydroxide. Will quickly damage alkali-sensitive surfaces, such as skin and soft metals. A machine used for removing moisture from textile articles by centrifugal action. (Source: ANSI Z8.1-2016) 2
Certification Chelating Agents Circulating Inventory Clean Linen Weight A measurement of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities of an individual having met a series of requirements. Usually, the assessment is completed by professionals, of which the standards are established by the certifying body or organization. Similar to a sequestering agent, but acts on impurities in a slightly different way. Good at controlling metallic ions in water supplies. Is the amount of linen items actively in circulation/use throughout the linen cycle or facility. The weight of the linen after the linen has been processed (washed, dried, finished, and folded). COG (Customer Owned Goods) COG means a customer/facility purchases and owns their linen. The textiles may be processed by the facility s on-premise/on-campus laundry or by an independent contractor. Also referred to as NOG (Not Our Goods) by contracted laundries. Commercial Laundries Establishments, including commercial, institutional (including hotels and hospitals), linen supply, or industrial, wherein laundering, dyeing, bleaching, ironing, or other finishing of textile articles is performed. (Source: ANSI Z8.1-2016) Continuous Batch Washer Cost Per Pound Customer Service Dashboard Term copyrighted by Pellerin Milnor Corporation for its Tunnel Washer. Total pounds of linen and laundry operating costs (including salaries of all production staff employees) divided by the total pounds processed during the same time period the costs were incurred. The relationship between the laundry, the linen distribution department, and the linen users, that causes a positive or negative perception. Customer service is an extremely important part of an ongoing user relationship, and is the key to customer satisfaction and continued service. A dashboard is a chart of indicators of the most important information needed to achieve your linen objectives; conveniently shown so the information can be viewed quickly. Sample indicators: Pounds Per Adjusted Patient Day, Pounds Per Patient Day, monthly supply costs, monthly poundage, monthly labor cost, and monthly linen replacement costs. 3
Deflocculation Detergent Detergency Dilution Disinfection Disinfectants Discards or Rag-Out Discharges Dissolving Employee Man Hours Emulsification Enzymes The process of physically loosening solid soils, such as sand, clay, or dust from fabrics and then acted upon by detergents or simply washed down the drain. Usually refers to any cleaning agent other than soap. Detergents are usually surfactants, but may contain a variety of other ingredients, such as builders, corrosion inhibitors, suds control agents, enzymes, dyes, and perfumes. Lifting soil from a surface by displacing it with surface active materials, which have a greater affinity for the surface than they do for the soil. Dilution is the process of reducing the concentration of a substance. Each rinse in a wash formula dilutes the amount of soil, detergents, and bacteria in the wash solution. A process that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on inanimate objects. (CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008) Chemical agents used on inanimate objects to lower the level of microbes present on the object. Linen items that are removed from the circulating inventory because of stains, tears, or items that are unacceptable for use. The number of patients discharged from a facility during a specified time period. Some soils are very water soluble and easily go into solution. Salts, sugars, and starches usually go into solution quite readily. This creates a wash bath that is a weak solution of these substances, which must be diluted and discarded. Total number of employee hours that are required to complete a required task. Causing two immiscible (non-mixing) compounds, like oil and water, to stay together through extreme agitation, as in homogenization, or through the use of chemical agents, like surfactants. Emulsions typically have a milky appearance. Complex protein molecules, ingredients of many cleaning agents, which help break down stubborn soils and stains in carpet, laundry, and other applications. 4
Exchange Cart Delivery Feeder or Spreader First In/First Out (FIFO) Flame Resistant Finishes Folder and Stacker F&B Textiles FTE Guarded Hospitality Textiles Hydrophilic Injection of Linen (Inject) Inorganic Soils Ironers A delivery method by which linen user units and departments are provided with clean linen items needed to support patient care and the operation of a unit or department. A machine to feed or spread linen into another machine for further processing. (Source: ANSI Z8.1-2016) A recommended practice in linen distribution and usage in which the linen is used in order of processing that, upon delivery, freshly laundered textiles are rotated to the bottom/back of carts and shelves, ensuring stock does not get stale. Finishes that reduce the burning of textile products. A machine at the end of/connected to an ironer to fold and stack textile articles. (Source: ANSI Z8.1-2016) Textile products utilized by food and beverage establishments, e.g., tablecloths, napkins, or chef apparel. Full time equivalent. An FTE is used to determine the number of employees, both full-time and part-time. A full-time employee is usually considered to work 2,080 hours a year (52 weeks times 40 hours per week) or 1,950 hours (52 weeks times 37.5 hours per week). Covered, shielded, fenced, enclosed, or otherwise protected by means of covers or casings, barrier rails, screens, mechanical mechanisms, or sensors to minimize the chance of injurious contact with, or dangerous approach by, persons or objects. (Source: ANSI Z8.1-2016) Textile products utilized by hotels or lodging facilities, e.g., bed and bath products. Having a strong tendency to bind or absorb water, which results in swelling and formation of reversible gels. Water loving. Adding new linen to the circulating inventory to achieve/ maintain adequate par levels. Soils produced from compounds of substances that have never been alive. These are alkaline in nature and usually require an acid to remove. A machine with one or more rolls or heated surfaces used for drying, ironing, or smoothing textile articles. (Source: ANSI Z8.1-2016) 5
Jog or Jogging Just-In-Time (JIT) Delivery Lean Process/Six Sigma Lime Linen Linen Abuse Linen Loss Rate Linen Standardization Committee Linen Rag-Out Rate Lint Filter/Collector Lockout/Tagout Logistics Controlled, low-speed rotation of the cylinder or basket to assist the loading or unloading of the machine. This applies to washer extractors and tumblers. (Source: ANSI Z8.1-2016) An inventory control method of ordering and delivering linen products on an as-needed basis. Process focused on quality improvement that increases the speed, improves flexibility, enhances customer service, and reduces waste. It is a measure of quality that strives for near perfection. Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects (driving toward six standard deviations between the mean and the nearest specification limit) in any process from manufacturing to transactional and from product to service. Calcium oxide. Broadly used as a synonym to water scale. Lime can form a deposit or scale in steam boilers and piping and can also build up on the outer surface on and plug up the perforations in washer cylinders. Reusable textile items, including but not limited: to scrubs, sheets, gowns, blankets, hamper bags, child clothing, pillowcases, towels, cubical curtains, washcloths, spreads, etc. The unauthorized and/or inappropriate use of linen/textile product, such as using linen in a way it was not designed for or unauthorized removal from the linen system. Amount of linen lost expressed as a percentage. This committee determines the specifications of linen items, selects new and improved items, and determines how they will be injected into the system. The amount of linen ragged out expressed as a percentage. A device to remove lint produced in textile processing. Safety practices and procedures that safeguards workers from hazardous energy release by disabling machinery or equipment to prevent hazardous energy release. (Source: OSHA.gov) The efficient coordination and control of the flow of all linen room operations, textiles, personnel, and resources. 6
Manual Manual shuttle conveyors Mysterious Disappearance Neutralization NOG (Not Our Goods) OPL (On-Premise Laundry) Oleophilic Open Pocket Washer Operator Organic Soils Outsourced Oxidation Oxygen Bleach This adjective, when used in conjunction with a machine, defines the fact that the machine was designed to operate with the physical intervention of an operator and would include semi-automatic and automatically timed garment presses and cabinet garment presses. (Source: ANSI Z8.1-2016) Non-stationary conveyors, which either traverse, elevate, or both, with the physical intervention of an operator. (Source: ANSI Z8.1-2016) Linen items removed from the circulating inventory by the customer/consumer without authorization and without documentation. Process of reducing a high or raising a low ph towards neutral. This is accomplished by mixing in a solution with opposite ph characteristics. Used by contracted laundries to indicate the ownership of the linen. Used interchangeably with COG (Customer Owned Goods). There is a laundry facility on the property. Having a strong affinity to bind or absord oils. Oil loving. A washer/extractor with one pocket (as opposed to a split pocket or y-pocket). Open pocket washers provide the greatest mechanical action. A person whose job is to feed into or receive from a machine textile articles or to operate a machine. (Source: ANSI Z8.1-2016) 3.21 Soils from sources that once lived. These are acidic in nature and are usually require an alkaline to remove. A term to describe a contractual relationship with a commercial or cooperative laundry to provide laundry processing services. The process of oxygen combining with other substances to become oxides. Some soils leave color behind that attaches to the fabric fibers. These stains must be oxidized to decolorize them. Oxidizes soil coloring through the direct use of free oxygen release. These are typically based on sodium perborate, sodium percarbonate, or hydrogen peroxide. 7
Ozone Par/Turn O 3. Ozone is a form of oxygen having 3 atoms instead of the more commonly found 2 atoms. This third atom readily breaks off from the other two, creating a very stable O 2 molecule and a very aggressive free oxygen atom. The free oxygen atom readily reacts with negatively charged soils, reducing their internal bonds and releasing them into the wash water. The quantity of linen used in a 24-hour period. Par-level Distribution Systems A practice requiring that areas be stocked with textiles based on usage volumes and, as such, do not require additional carts beyond those required in each unit/area. Many times the stock is placed on shelves in a linen closet when replenished. Permanent Water Hardness Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ph Phosphate Processed Pullman Wash Wheel Pounds Per Patient Days Quality Ragout A hardness (mineral content) that cannot be removed by boiling; however, it can be removed by using a water softener. It is usually caused by the presence of calcium sulphate and/or magnesium sulphates in the water. Specialized clothing or equipment worn by an employee for protection against a hazard. General work clothes, e.g., uniform, pants, shirts, or blouses, not intended to function against a hazard are not considered to be PPE. A relative measure of acidity of aqueous solutions. The ph scale goes from 0 to 14. Those chemicals with a ph of less than 7 are said to be acidic, those with a ph above 7 are alkaline, and those with a ph of 7 are neutral. A widely used type of compound that enhances the cleaning performance of detergents. Generally refers to any phosphorus-containing compound. A term used in the laundry industry for clean linen which has been washed, dried, finished, and folded. Refer to Split Pocket Wash Wheel definition. A calculation for textiles using in-patient activity only. This is a good indicator to see how your hospital (in-patient areas) is doing compared to other like facilities. The acceptable appearance and condition of the washed goods and finished linen. Acceptable expectations and levels of quality are determined and clearly defined by the end user and their laundry processor. The removal of a piece of linen from service or circulation due to its inability to meet standards. 8
Reducing Agent Rewash RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) Chips ROI Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Safety Stock Level Sanitizer Saponification Sequestering agents Chemicals that strip the color from the stain by directly reacting with the color in the stain. These are usually only used for treating specific stain conditions and not as a regular bleaching agent. These are usually composed of sodium thiosulfate, sodium silicoflouride, hydroflourosilic acid, oxalic acid, and sodium bisulfite. Linen that is washed a second time, often in a more aggressive wash formula, due to stain retention, inadequate soil removal, or misfolds. The process of reclaiming textiles. This is a method of tracking textile products by type and/ or customer. A microchip is attached to the textile that provides the processor with information on the garment, such as amount of washings, last customer, how long in service, ownership, location for delivery, etc. Measures the amount of Return On Investment relative to the investment's cost. Information prepared by the chemical manufacturer or importer of a product which describes physical hazards, health hazards, routes of exposure, precautions for safe handling and use, first-aid, emergency procedures, and control measures. A measure of textiles for use as an additional buffer, cushion, or reserve stock to protect against stock-outs caused by delayed deliveries, increased demand, or other unexpected events. An agent that reduces the number of bacterial contaminants to safe levels, as judged by public health requirements. Commonly used with substances applied to inanimate objects. According to the protocol for the official sanitizer test, a sanitizer is a chemical that kills 99.999% of the specific test bacteria in 20 seconds under the conditions of the test. (CDC Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008) The chemical reaction of converting an animal or vegetable fat, oil, or grease to a water soluble soap. Saponification is carried out in the washing operation by the alkaline builders used separately or contained in the detergent being used. These are chemicals that "tie up" or render water impurities inert. Phosphates can act as a sequestering agent. 9
Shall/Must Should Sharps Soap Sodium Hypochlorite Softener Soiled Linen Storage Soiled Linen Weight Sour Split Pocket Washer Standard Starch These terms denote a requirement. (Source: ANSI Z8.1-2016) This term denotes a recommendation. (Source: ANSI Z8.1-2016) Objects that can penetrate the skin, such as needles, scalpels, broken glass, fork, knives, etc. A surfactant formed by the reaction of an alkali (usually a caustic) and a fatty acid. A chemical compound (NAClO) (or Chlorine gas) used in disinfection of drinking water. Commonly known as chlorine bleach. Restores lubricity to the fabric, lubricates metal fasteners, reduces linting, reduces extraction times, reduces static electricity, and imparts a softness or good hand to pile fabrics, such as towels. An area where soiled linen is stored for shipment to the laundry. Soiled linen storage areas located near healthcare patient care areas/floors should meet airflow requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE170 and fire ratings/requirements of NFPA 101 Life Safety Code. Weight of the linen before it has been processed (washed, dried, finished, and folded). Typically the weight of the soiled linen would be 6 10% heavier than the same linen when cleaned. This is due to the retained soiled substances, garbage, and sharps being present in the soiled linen. Derived from the German word meaning acid. Generally made from various acids, usually blends designed around specific performance criteria. The sour is used to neutralize any remaining alkalinity in the wash wheel. A washer/extractor where the total textile load is split in half and the cylinder is rotated to load or unload. Easier to load/ unload than open pocket type but gives less mechanical action. Also called Pullman Wash wheel. See Par. Also called laundry sizing. Used to impart a stiff finish to fabrics, produce a flat feel, and to increase stain resistance. 10
Sterilization Surfactant Suspension Temporary Water Hardness Test Piece Swatch Therm Thermal Shock Titration Tunnel Washer Validated process used to render a product free of all forms of viable microorganisms. In a sterilization process, the presence of microorganisms on any individual item can be expressed in terms of probability. Although this probability can be reduced to a very low number, it can never be reduced to zero. (CDC, Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008) Short for surface-active agent. An organic chemical that, when added to a water, lowers its surface tension. Once soils are broken up, dissolved, or changed chemically, they must be held in suspension in the wash solution until drained away. Type of water hardness caused by the presence of dissolved bicarbonate minerals (calcium bicarbonate and magnesium bicarbonate). Can be removed by simply heating the water or by the addition of lime. This hardness is of little concern in the cleaning operation, but can leave a chalky film on equipment. A standardized textile product used for assessing the effectiveness of the wash process. Most effectively assessed by an independent lab service following validated testing methods. A unit of heat equal to 100,000 BTUs. A key metric used in the laundry industry is therms per 100 pounds or centum weight (cwt). An increase or decrease of 25 30 in temperature can cause thermal shock which can create permanent wrinkles because the textile will retain the shape it was in while hot. Thermal shock is most prevalent with polyester. This is the quantitative testing method for determining the strength of an unknown solution by neutralizing with a solution of opposite but known strength. A complete washing/drying system comprised of continuous tunnel washer(s), means of extracting water from the laundered goods, Washroom System Shuttle Conveyor(s), and dryers, all working in conjunction with one another such that manual operator intervention is generally not required from the time goods are loaded into the continuous tunnel washer(s) until such goods are discharged from the dryers. This definition is specifically NOT extended to include any sub sets of machines in such system. (ANSI Z8.1-2016) 11
Turn-About Delivery Carts Users/Clients/ Patients/Customers Carts for transporting clean linens on shelves that can be folded down, creating a cart for soiled linen. The people who receive and/or use textile products. Usage Data Washer-Extractor Washroom System Shuttle Conveyors Water Hardness Water Scale Y-Pocket Wash Wheel Data on the amount (based on weight or piece count) of goods given to or used by a customer. Any machine in which both the washing and extraction operations are performed. (ANSI Z8.1-2016) Non-stationary conveyors incorporated into automatic, semiautomatic or tunnel washing systems which either traverse or elevate, or do both, without physical intervention of an operator. (ANSI Z8.1-2016) Presence of calcium and magnesium in water. Usually measured in grains. A presence as little as 5 grains can cause an issue in wash outcomes. The hardness must be treated if the presence reaches 10 grains. Any chalky or scaly substance left behind by the evaporation of water A washer/extractor where the total textile load is split in thirds and the cylinder is rotated to load or unload. Easier to load/unload than open pocket type but gives less mechanical action. Also called Pullman Wash wheel. 12