Safe Handling of Fabric Rags & Linens
from our partners at Society Insurance
A little-known cause of fires in businesses that use and launder fabric towels, linens and rags is spontaneous combustion. It can occur when clean laundry, such as towels, is put away warm, or when soiled items, such as greasy rags, are stored in open combustible containers. Oxygen causes a chemical reaction to occur that can generate heat sufficient to ignite the combustible towels, linens and rags. This can even occur in warm, clean laundry stored on shelves.
Prevention Measures
• It is best to contract with an outside professional laundry service to clean your rags and linens.
• If you choose to launder your own rags, your appliances should be commercial grade and listed or approved for laundering of greasy or oily materials. You can usually determine if the appliance is approved for laundering these materials in the owners manual of the appliance. You should never use residential grade or non-approved appliances for laundering these materials.
• When laundering, only use water detergents or solutions approved to launder grease-contaminated cloths.
• Appliances should always be used properly and maintained in good working condition. Enforce a strict preventive maintenance schedule, periodic inspections, and daily vent and lint trap cleaning. Keeping a written log of maintenance items is a good practice.
• Do not leave laundry in the dryer unattended or leave laundry in a dryer for an extended period (i.e., overnight). This can allow heat to build up. Remove laundry from the dryer promptly when the cycle is done.
• Grease-contaminated cloths or waste should be placed in listed or approved oily waste containers with self-closing lids. Store clean cloths separately and away from dirty cloths.
• Only use rags and linens designed for your specific use. Dispose of rags and linens when they are excessively soiled, stained or even after laundering when the materials leave a greasy sheen on your hands after being handled. Grease or oils will accumulate in the fabric of the rags and linens over time.
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Society Insurance offers top-notch insurance coverage and service to select businesses in Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.
As a mutual insurance company, we have been policyholder-owned for over 100 years. We take pride in getting your coverage right—right from the start— with a unique combination of property and casualty coverages in one comprehensive package. For more information, reach out to Kristin Ramthun at KRamthun@societyinsurance.com
