In-Depth Survey Report: Perchloroethylene Exposures and Ergonomic Risk Factors inCommercial Dry Cleaners at Tuchman Cleaners (Shop No. 24), Carmel, Indiana

摘要

A survey was conducted at Tuchman Cleaners shop number 24 (SIC-7216), Carmel,Indiana to evaluate control of worker exposure to perchloroethylene (PERC). Ergonomic conditions were also examined. Three of the ten workers at the shop participated in personal air quality monitoring. Garment off-gassing experiment showed that the machine was less effective at recovering solvent from the garments than many other machines which were studied. Some employees were possibly at risk of incurring musculoskeletal strain due to the highly repetitive nature of the work performed. The authors recommend that local exhaust ventilation and general ventilation be improved. Personal protective equipment such as a respirator, chemical splash goggles, and proper gloves should be used during waterproofing operations and machine maintenance. A respiratory protection program should be established.