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infected laundry loads. Even at ambient temperatures, this allows heat-sensitive items such as personal clothing, hospital mattress covers, emergency rescue wear and microfibre items to be cleaned effectively. These findings were revealed through


an in-depth study carried out at De Montfort University in Leicester. The study, believed to be among the first of its kind, found that cleaning with OTEX Laundry completely removed the coronavirus, even in large washing loads, reducing the number of infectious particles by at least 4.3 log10 – meaning it was beyond the limit of detection – within six minutes of washing in the presence of ozone. Additional testing also proved that the


virus was not transferred to other textiles in the wash, highlighting OTEX Laundry as an invaluable tool in the fight to stop the spread of coronavirus in care homes.


How to ensure infection control across the entire care home It is crucial to remember that Covid-19, being an airborne virus, must also be considered beyond the laundry room if infection risk is to be kept to a minimum. Indeed, bacteria, viruses and other


micro-organisms are naturally present in the environment, which is why it is so important for care home operators to thoroughly disinfect and deodorise rooms throughout the premises on a regular basis. For this reason, the OTEX range of


products also includes mobile room disinfection units – a 17kg Compact version, and an 8.5kg Cube sanitiser – both of which offer care home operators peace of mind through knowing that any


hidden bacterial micro-organisms, such as C.diffiicle, E. Coli and MRSA, are effectively treated in rooms measuring up to 200m3


. JLA’s ozone sanitiser systems are all-in-


one disinfection units that eliminate both micro-organisms and odours at the touch of a button, in as little as 45 minutes. Using the natural disinfection properties of ozone, the systems can completely remove unwanted pathogens from the air and surfaces, without any of the damage, smells or harmful chemical residue associated with using alternative methods. These mobile disinfection systems are


able to distribute ozone in such a way that it can reach areas in the room previously inaccessible to traditional manual cleaning methods. Furthermore, ozone is also able to penetrate carpets, and even items such as books, making it perfect for ensuring total infection control in common areas such as games rooms. From a risk assessment standpoint,


this technology is completely safe, and ensures no dangerous chemical residues are left. From initial operation, a programme is set dependent on room size and required treatment level. Following this, the room is left well


before ozone activation begins, and not re-entered until it has been confirmed that the process is entirely complete. The units assist this process through an in-built ‘destruct’ procedure which effectively converts ozone back into oxygen, allowing rooms to be quickly re-occupied. All OTEX sanitation machines have


been designed with a threshold to ensure that when the disinfection process is ‘complete’, the ozone levels in the room are at the correct safe level and below the Health & Safety Executive’s Workplace Exposure Level (WEL) for ozone of 0.2 ppm in air averaged over a 15-minute reference period. As an added benefit, the OTEX room


disinfection systems also work extremely well for odour removal, removing any unpleasant smells – such as cigarette smoke, stale air and even longer-lasting odours associated with damp conditions - leaving rooms smelling fresh and clean around the clock. Not only does this make a more


pleasant environment for staff and residents, it also means that any customers arriving at the premises are left feeling instantly reassured that rooms and common areas have been thoroughly cleaned prior to their arrival. There are also further financial benefits.


Because the ozone used by the unit is generated onsite, there are no additional consumable costs to consider, meaning


December 2020 • www.thecarehomeenvironment.com


monthly usage costs are consistent, and extremely budget-friendly.


Keeping critical areas of care homes running Overall, at a time when budgets are likely to be tight, effective running of all aspects of the care home is paramount – arguably more so than ever before. Subsequently, areas such as catering, fire safety, heating, ventilation and air conditioning must not be neglected. The right partner will be able to look


after all of these needs in one place, within a single cost package. This includes expert advice on how to tailor solutions to each individual care home environment, assistance with installation and ongoing maintenance, ensuring that all critical needs are completely taken care of. JLA’s own Total Care package offers


all of the above, and more, providing the reassurance of ongoing maintenance, fast fixes and 24/7 support; an offering built, honed and refined over more than 30 years of experience keeping critical areas of care homes running. Now that we are firmly in a second


lockdown, providing reassurance to customers that they or their loved ones will be taken care of - throughout all aspects of the care home environment - will be crucial. Providing best-in-class cleanliness


and infection control is arguably the most important means of providing reassurance in these, to borrow an overused phrase, unprecedented times. Subsequently, the care homes that invest in these solutions now will be well- placed to weather the ongoing challenges of Covid-19, paving the way for a safe and prosperous 2021.


References 1. Woodend Aberdeen study. An initial study of the OTEX validated ozone disinfection system was carried out at Woodend Hospital in the autumn of 2006 (September/October 2006).


2. Department of Health (2011), Showcase hospitals report no. 8: Otex laundry system https://www.gov.uk/government/publicatio ns/showcase-hospitals-report-no-8-otex- laundry-system.


Contact details


JLA Group, Meadowcroft Lane, Ripponden, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 4AJ Telephone: 0800 591903 Email: enquiries@jla.com www.jla.com/otex


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