Laundry
How often does my laundry equipment need servicing?
Craig Banham, head of technical at WASHCO, explains the key role Planned Preventative Maintenance can play in the smooth running of your laundry
Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) is crucial for ensuring the smooth operation of your commercial laundry equipment and extending its lifespan. Of course, this is in addition to the regular cleaning and checks that should be carried out by users as per manufacturers’ recommendations. Between routine and regulated maintenance requirements, it is sometimes difficult to keep track of which servicing is due and when. While it can get confusing, the impact of failing to complete these could be dramatic. Let us explain it all and debunk some myths along the way.
Who should undertake maintenance work? Some tasks, such as the daily cleaning of a tumble dryer filter, can be carried out by the operator, provided they have received adequate training to do so safely. This training should cover the correct procedures for cleaning and the potential hazards involved, ensuring that the operator can perform the task without risking their safety or damaging the equipment. However, other, more advanced
technical work, such as annual gas servicing, must be undertaken by qualified and authorised individuals. These tasks require a higher level of expertise and certification to ensure they are performed correctly and safely. For instance, gas servicing should only be conducted by engineers who are Gas Safe registered, as they have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle gas appliances safely. This ensures that maintenance work is performed to the highest standards, reducing the risk of equipment failure and ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
January 2025
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com
Workers conducting maintenance tasks should always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes items such as gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing, which help to protect them from potential hazards associated with the maintenance work. Appropriate training should be provided
to operators or maintenance staff who will be responsible for cleaning and checking the machines on a regular basis, in accordance with the manufacturers’ recommendations. This training should ensure that they are familiar with the equipment and understand the importance of regular maintenance. Additionally, they should be aware of the correct procedures to follow if they notice anything unusual that they cannot repair themselves. Knowing their points of contact for reporting issues is crucial for maintaining the safety and
Servicing requirements will vary according to frequency of use and operating conditions
functionality of the equipment. Let us look at the different types of maintenance work in more detail, beginning with the regulations which must be complied with.
Regulations Gas equipment
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), it is strongly recommended that all gas consumers have their appliances inspected for safety at least once every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This annual check is crucial to ensure the safe operation of gas appliances and to prevent potential hazards. Neglecting this important safety measure can lead to serious risks, including damage to equipment, structural damage to buildings, and even threats to human life. For comprehensive information on gas safety regulations, please visit the HSE website.
Electrical equipment
Legally, it is mandatory to maintain electrical equipment to prevent any danger. The specific requirements for user checks, inspections, and testing will vary
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