The evaporative organic chemical, perchloroethylene, commonly used in dry cleaning, can cause some serious health problems in workers. This solvent primarily enters the body from inhalation of its vapors or by being spilled on the skin. This causes:
Dizziness, drowsiness or loss of coordination flush and blistering of the skin after prolonged contact Mild loss of memory Decreased visual perception Slowed reaction time may build after some years of exposure Liver and kidney damage which may build into cancer.
In increasing to these effects, the National Toxicology agenda and the International department for study on Cancer have both designated perchloroethylene as a "probable human carcinogen".
Akdy Hood
Dry cleaning employees can be exposed to this chemical while performing disposition tasks and machine maintenance such as:
Loading dirty clothes into the machine, which displaces chemically contaminated air, forcing it out of the machine Removing clothes, especially thick items, before the drying cycle is done Transferring solvent laden clothes into the dryer Pressing freshly dried clothes Using a perchloroethylene based spotting agent Using a perchloroethylene based waterproofing agent Cleaning lint and button traps on the machines Raking out the still to take off distillation unit residue When changing the solvent filter while maintenance of the water separator When handling or storing chemical waste
In addition, dry cleaning machines give off 'fugitive emissions' which are not captured by vapor salvage and are released straight through a vent or when the loading door is opened. Emissions are also due to leaking machines, hoses, valves, and ducts.
Older dry cleaning machines, called transfer machines, expose workers to high amounts of vapors while the transfer from the washer to the dryer. Newer dry to dry machines filter out vapors and re-circulate the chemical for use. This decreases chemical publish to the environment as older machines were often vented outside. The dry to dry machine also minimizes solvent use and decreases worker exposure.
Dry cleaning machines should be commonly serviced and maintained and older machines substituted when possible. Adequate ventilation is requisite for controlling the levels of perchloroethlylene in the workplace. Overhead fans, exhaust systems and an external ventilation hood are designed to move the vapors away from workers and customers, while continuously supplying fresh air to the dry cleaning area. New machines are designed with ventilation systems to forestall the leave of vapors. Air monitoring devices are ready to check the level of chemical present. Osha emphasizes that "Reducing exposure to this potentially hazardous chemical is emphasized straight through a compound of inhibitive maintenance and operate of leaks in dry cleaning equipment, proper ventilation and good work practices." It recommends:
Do not load dry cleaning machine beyond its capacity. Do not open the machine door while it is running. Keep machine door done as much as possible. Do not shortcut the drying cycle by removing garments from the machine before the cycle is finished. Keep head and face turned away from the machine door and clothes when removing solvent - laden clothes from washer. Do not transfer solvent to machines by hand or with an open bucket. A done piping principles that connects directly to machine drum should be used. Wait until machine and solvent are cold before performing maintenance. Use spotting agents sparingly. Store solvent containers and waste materials in tightly done containers. Clean up spills immediately using accepted materials and following procedures. Solvent splashes on skin should be instantly washed off with soap and water. Splashes to eyes should be flushed instantly with water. Eye wash center should be ready in dry cleaning area.
Workers in the Dry Cleaning enterprise must be trained on safe work procedures as well as how to handle a solvent spill and when to use personal protective equipment.
Dry Cleaning Solvent - condition Hazard For WorkersTags : video games Store