Commercial Laundry: Edward Arzouian, Bates Troy Inc., Binghamton, N.Y.
I’m not of the belief that plant safety has changed, given technological advancement in laundry equipment. The basic principles of lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures are still applicable.
That being said, there is always a need to update or supplement safety protocols with each new piece of equipment that is brought into your facility. If anything, some technological advances have complicated LOTO procedures.
Equipment can now have multiple power sources, more electronics, be more complicated and more automated, operate faster and at higher temperatures, etc. All of this requires more training and experience for safety and to prevent damage to equipment.
If anyone has ever taken basic firearms training, one of the first things you hear is that a safety is a mechanical device that can fail. The same is true with laundry equipment, and all equipment, in fact. So, despite all of the technological advances, the onus for safety still falls on proper training; well-written, comprehensive policies; and standardized safety procedures.
Some of the tech advances in safety that we now see include integrated safety sensing devices (light curtains, safety mats, etc.) that stop hazardous motion based on presence or a certain operator action; interlocks that automatically stop operations if potential hazards are detected, such as entering a dryer alley that has a shuttle system; ergonomic design principles; easily accessible emergency stop; remote monitoring; onboard diagnostics; and rail systems that move material rather than employees having to haul it.
Most new equipment now comes with better signage to indicate power sources, pinch points and other risks. Of course, if that signage is present, it also means some of the risks are also still present. More belts, conveyors and rollers mean more pinch points and entanglement possibilities.
The other variable, the other risk factor that always remains the same, is human nature. Despite all our best efforts to ensure the safe operation of equipment, any equipment, almost inevitably there is going to be that individual — you know the one — who figures out how to bypass a new safety feature that they find inconvenient, that slows them down, or they believe really isn’t necessary.
If the piece of equipment has too many jams, they are not going to LOTO each time. Keep in mind, E-stops may only halt motion but not cut all power. So, for that reason, old-fashioned vigilance and verification are always going to be required, no matter how advanced the technological improvements.
Plant and equipment inspections still have to happen. That does not change. Hazardous risk assessments must be ongoing. If you have been through laundry accreditation or certification processes inspection, or an inspection by an experienced safety management consultant with an insurance company, they will usually check E-stops and interlock devices to ensure they work. Depending upon the facility and the equipment, checking the E-stops and other safety devices may be something that is required daily.
Technological advances are increasing operator safety, but the responsibility remains with individuals.
Chemicals Supply: David Dotzauer, Ecolab, Eagan, Minn.
In recent years, improvements in commercial laundry equipment have increasingly focused on automation, connectivity, and self monitoring. Washer-extractor and tunnel washer suppliers now emphasize intelligent controls, real-time monitoring, and remote program management and updates. These capabilities allow systems to be optimized and supported digitally rather than relying solely on local control panels.
In high-volume operations, tunnel washer systems have evolved toward continuous, zoned processing, with improved water and energy recovery and tighter integration with presses and dryers. These advancements improve throughput and utility efficiency while reducing the need for routine manual interaction.
Dryers have similarly advanced through moisture sensing, smarter control of drying endpoints, and connected monitoring. These technologies help reduce the risk of overdrying while improving consistency and repeatability. On the finishing side, automation, robotics, and vision-based quality-control tools have driven gains in labor efficiency and consistency, while also improving ergonomic safety related to repetitive tasks.
Automation is now more integrated into soiled-side sorting with things like robotic sorting or enhanced foreign-object detection. This can reduce manual handling of contaminated goods, helping to lower the risk of worker exposure and injury.
Collectively, these equipment advancements have made many routine tasks in commercial laundry plants inherently safer. As a result, safety procedures increasingly need to focus on exception handling, like responding to alarms, jams or misfeeds, rather than normal operating conditions.
Safety protocols should clearly define when operators can intervene, when equipment must be shut down, and when lockout/tagout procedures are required. Clear guidance is also needed around safe zones for manual intervention versus areas that require full equipment isolation.
As connectivity and remote monitoring become more common, operating and safety protocols should also clarify who is authorized to change programs remotely, who should respond to remote diagnostics, and when issues must be escalated to maintenance.
With greater reliance on automation, sensors, and remote monitoring, fewer workers are routinely exposed to hazards on the plant floor. At the same time, laundry operations must avoid complacency and continue to reassess their safety practices. Regularly updating operating procedures and training helps ensure employees clearly understand where safety risks still exist in today’s more automated operating environment.
Click HERE for part 1 with advice from consulting services, linen supply and textiles experts.
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