Perchlorethylene (PCE or PERC) is the most commonly used drycleaning solvent. PERC is much lower in toxicity than other drycleaning solvents used in the past such as carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene (TCE). Nonetheless, PERC can be hazardous to employee health if not handled properly.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the health effects associated with overexposure to PERC include:

• depression of the central nervous systems; damage to the liver and kidneys;
• impaired memory; confusion;
• dizziness;
• headache;
• drowsiness;
• and eye, nose and throat irritation;
• repeated exposure may result in dermatitis (NIOSH Publication No. 97-156).

There are several methods to control exposure.

• Whenever possible, substituting a less toxic substance or process is recommended.
  • Alternative drycleaning methods that have been proven effective include wet cleaning and petroleum-based drycleaning (NIOSH Publication 97-155).
• If substitution of a less hazardous material is not feasible, the operation should be designed to isolate or capture solvent vapors before employees can be exposed.
  • This can be accomplished in several ways.
    1. Inside the shop, dry cleaning machines should be isolated from other work areas as much as possible. The majority of perchloroethylene emissions originate at the machines, so isolating employees as much as possible from the source will reduce exposures.
    2. The highest solvent exposures occur when workers are loading and unloading dry cleaning machines. This exposure can largely be eliminated by utilizing dry-to-dry machines that do not require transfer of the clothing from separate washing to drying machines (NIOSH Publication 97-156).
• Along with isolation of the hazard, proper ventilation in the shop will control worker exposures.
  • Capturing and removing vapors at the source (local ventilation) is the best means of reducing exposure. Dry cleaning machines that utilize an eternal exhaust system should have an inward air velocity through the loading door of 100 feet per minute, and the air should be passed through a control device that recovers solvent vapors, such as activated carbon.
• Exposures are further reduced with modern dry cleaning machines that utilize vapor recovery/capture systems that utilize a refrigerated condenser and/or carbon adsorber. General ventilation is also important, with a complete air change every five minutes optimum. (NIOSH Publication 97-157)
• Operators should not open the door of the dry cleaning machine while it is running, or cut the drying period short.
  • Machine doors should always be closed except during loading and unloading.
  • Using a long-handled tool to retrieve clothes at the back of the drum also helps.
• Properly maintained dry cleaning machinery has been shown to decrease perchloroethylene exposures.
  • Make sure that vapor recovery systems are in good working order.
  • Check for liquid or vapor leaks on equipment piping and ductwork.
  • Workers should always wear proper personal protective equipment when performing maintenance on these machines.

Good ergonomic design allows for adjustability between individual employees that use equipment. Much of the equipment used in dry cleaning shops, however, is not adjustable. The following steps can be taken to reduce ergonomic hazards.

• The use of dry-to-dry dry cleaning machines eliminates garment transfer. In shops with transfer machines, workers should handle no more than 15 to 20 pounds of clothing during the transfer operation.
• Modifications to the workplace to reduce the amount of bending and reaching, such as raising the bottom of clothing carts and utilizing spring-loaded bottoms to raise the clothes to 16 inches as the cart is unloaded, are helpful.
• Pressing stations that are designed to be adjusted to each employee can significantly reduce ergonomic exposures.
• Using counter-balances on irons and other equipment that must be lifted is also helpful. Providing beveled floor mats will also reduce leg fatigue and minimize tripping hazards. (NIOSH Publication 97-160)

Some dry cleaning establishments may process clothing used in health care facilities, fire departments, or police departments. This clothing could potentially be contaminated by blood or other infectious materials. For cleaning establishments with contracts of this type, a bloodborne pathogen program should be in place to instruct employees in proper safeguards and procedures. (Zenith Risk Management Bulletin, Infection Control Programs: Preventing the Spread of Bloodborne Diseases).

• All washing machines, extractors, and drying tumblers should have a substantial cover over the openings.
• Machines should be equipped with interlock devices that shut the machine off when the door is opened.
• All in-running nip points or rolls should be equipped with a barrier guard.
• Ironing presses and other finishing machinery should be so designed as to prevent the operator or other person from being caught between the ironing surfaces.

Note: For California dry cleaning operations, more specific material and regulations are contained in the Cal OSHA general industry safety orders, sections 4479 ? 4494. California safety regulations also require that dry cleaning operations in that state have a comprehensive injury and illness prevention program. For questions about safety and health practices in dry cleaning operations, please contact your local Zenith branch office for further information.