Walk-Through Survey Report: Perchloroethylene Exposures in Commercial Dry Cleaners at Hyde Park 'One Hour' Martinizing Cleaners, Cincinnati, Ohio

摘要

A study was conducted to document and evaluate effective technologies for the control of potential health hazards at a small commercial facility. The shop consumed an average of 4 gallons of perchloroethylene (PERC) each month, cleaning about 650 pounds of apparel each day. The highest worker exposure occurred during the movement of solvent laden clothing between the washer and dryer in the transfer machine operation. The controls in place at the site appeared to be adequate to maintain exposure levels below 25 parts per million. The primary factor contributing to exposure was the still runoff being allowed to remain uncovered during the workday. There were only a few leaks in the system, primarily because the equipment was still fairly new. The authors recommend control measures which could aid in reducing exposures to PERC. The use of personal protective equipment should be improved at the location.