1 Scope

1.1
This Standard defines essential elements in the selection, use, maintenance, continued serviceability, and laundering of reusable textile wrappers, surgical gowns, and drapes for use in health care facilities.

Included in the selection criteria are minimum construction and performance requirements for reusable textiles to help health care facilities choose products with barrier qualities that are appropriate for their intended use.

1.2
This Standard sets forth requirements in the following areas:

a) the responsibilities of the health care facility administration
; b) physical requirements for textile reprocessing areas;
Note: Users should also refer to CAN/CSA-Z314.8.
c) personnel requirements, including attire, personal protective equipment, and qualifications and training;
Note: In this Standard, the term .personnel. is used to describe all individuals working in a health care facility, including managers and supervisors. The term "staff" is used for workers who are not managers or supervisors.
d) quality assurance;
e) basic characteristics of, classification of, and selection criteria for reusable textiles;
f) proper use and care;
g) maintenance and repairs;
h) handling, transport, and storage of soiled and laundered textiles;
i) laundering;
j) process monitoring and management (testing);
k) folding and packaging of gowns, drapes, and packs, including selection of packaging materials; and
l) emergency planning (hazardous substance spills).

1.3
Excluded from this Standard are all textile products other than wrappers, gowns, and drapes (e.g., masks, caps, and shoe covers) and any items that a manufacturer has designated as single use.

1.4
In CSA Standards, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

1.5
The values given in SI (metric) units are the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.