DescriptionThe Laundry - Mental Health provides the space and facilities for consumers to wash and dry clothing while staying in the Mental Health unit. Consumer access to this room and level of staff supervision is to be confirmed at project level to suit service requirements.Hours of Operation8am to 6pm, daily (units may limit times for use to minimise noise during certain hours)Occupancy1 patient intermittently; 1 staff assisting as requiredAdditional Considerations~ Requirements for the selection of suitable finishes, hardware, fixtures and fittings of a type manufactured and marketed as anti-ligature (including any weight limits for load release for certain fixtures) must be confirmed at project level based on service requirements, patient safety policies, local design guidance, risk assessments and confirmation of operational models. This includes the door, door hardware, joinery surfaces, joinery hardware, engineering services outlets and any ceiling mounted fixtures and services. All tamper proof and anti-ligature items must be installed in accordance with their manufacturer's instructions. Anti-ligature fittings may require a performance solution to be provided for the room to meet accessibility requirements. This must be considered and addressed at project level to meet applicable legislation and standards (to be confirmed with the project accessibility and building code consultants).
~All glazing is to be Grade A safety glass to comply with AS/NZS 2208 and AS 1288. Toughened and laminated glass with a structural interlayer is recommended. Additional requirements for glazing are to be confirmed at project level to suit the specific mental health environment (i.e. non-acute, acute, intensive care).
~ A second door may be required for safety and security; provision will be dependent on service requirements and local Work Health and Safety (WHS) policies. The location of the second door will be dependent on the overall floor plan and availability of an appropriate area to egress.
~ This Standard Component shows a bench, laundry sink, and a domestic washing machine and dryer. Ironing facilities are not included, and provision will be based on operational models. The use and storage of clothes airers/drying racks may be considered, and inclusion would be based on a risk assessment and operational models.
~ The selection of finishes in rooms for mental health units is to support provision of a welcoming, warm and therapeutic atmosphere and should aim to eliminate and institutional feel.
~ The number of washing machines and dryers required will vary depending on the size of the unit and the operational models for handling patient laundry. Additional space will be required to accommodate any increase in the number of machines.
~ While domestic washing machines and dryers are typically selected, the increased frequency of use compared to residential applications must be considered to ensure robustness and longevity of the selected items.
~ Air conditioning and exhaust requirements are to be confirmed to suit the number of machines and anticipated frequency of use.
~ A residual current device (RCD) has been shown within this room. Requirement for restricted access to RCDs as per AS/NZS 3003 is to be confirmed at project level. Where access needs to be restricted, RCDs may be consolidated in a staff area (e.g. at the staff station).
~ Anti-pick caulking is recommended for finishing between surfaces.