Laundry fires are one of the more common fire situations in healthcare settings, especially in long term care. Organizations are continually using and laundering linens, clothing, and cleaning items such as mop heads, rags, and towels. Factors such as chemical use, dryer heat, and lint build-up can significantly increase the potential for fires in laundry locations. Prevention is the most effective mechanism to reduce the potential for a laundry related fire.
AHCANCAL recently published a tool for prevention guidelines, best practices and a template laundry safety checklist for both skilled nursing and assisted living providers, found here.