Each member is guided by a Code of Ethics to ensure these ideals are maintained and all have agreed to minimum common Standards of Practice.
Code of Ethics
- By diligent and continued upgrading of professional standards of both him/herself and his/her colleagues.
- By keeping informed as to developments and trends in the industry.
- By caring for the environment through a commitment to keep chemical releases to the minimum, consistent with the latest known technology and industry average standards.
- By ideals of high integrity and a moral sense of fair dealing.
- By carrying out his/her craft with dignity in all matters, sufficient to the industry being held with high respect.
Standards of Practice
Article 1
The member shall endeavour to be and remain informed regarding the essential facts which affect the cleaning or laundry industry and the manner in which garments and fabrics are treated, in order to be able to provide the customer with the best possible service and advice.
Article 2
The accepting of garments and fabrics for purposes of dry cleaning or laundering imposes the obligation of rendering skilled and conscientious services. Where a member is unable to render a service due to lack of experience specialist, the member shall not attempt to treat the garment or fabric for cleaning or laundering.
Article 3
The member should ideally inform the customer fully and frankly, at the time the garment or fabric is submitted for cleaning or laundering concerning any potential adverse effects that the garment or fabric may undergo during the cleaning or laundering process.
Article 4
The member, at time of accepting the garment of fabric for cleaning or laundry, shall advise the customer of his or her opinion concerning the care label instructions where, in his or her experience, these instructions may have an adverse effect on the garment or fabric, as a whole.
Article 5
Where there is the possibility of negative effect on garment or fabric as a whole by following the manufacturer’s care label instructions, the member shall, for protection of the customer, cause these concerns to be raised with customer and ideally be put in writing and provide a copy of same to the customer.
Article 6
The member shall observe the Aims and Objectives and the Bye-laws of the Guild of Cleaners and Launderers and shall do everything possible to promote the acceptance of an adherence its Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Article 7
All means of conducting business shall be carried out in a manner that is consistent with maintaining public respect and confidence regarding the profession of Dry Cleaner or Launderer.
Article 8
The member shall be and remain aware of the issues and trends concerning the environmental issues pertaining to the cleaning and laundry industry and shall observe and support legislation, rules and regulations that are designed to minimise any negative effects on the environment that may occur by the use of cleaning or chemical products in dry cleaning or laundry.
Article 9
The member shall support and attend such educational seminars and courses as shall be necessary, in order t remain aware of developments within the cleaning industry and in order to be able to better service his or her customers, colleagues and the public at large.
Article 10
All classes of members will conduct themselves in a responsible manner so as to reflect credit on the dry cleaning and laundry industry as a whole and on its participants.
Article 11
The member shall not deny his or her professional service to any person for reasons of race, creed, colour, sex, handicap, marital status or country of origin. The member shall not be party to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of these distinctions.
Article 12
The member shall store, use and dispose of all chemicals, solvents and cleaning agents, used in his/her business, in accordance with all laws and regulations and shall do all things that are necessary to minimise any negative impact that the use of these may have on the environment, on the consumer, on employees or colleagues.