In-depth survey report: Perchloroethylene exposures in commercial dry cleaners at Brown`s Cleaners, Santa Monica, California
A field study was conducted at Brown`s Cleaners in Santa Monica, California to document control measures taken to reduce worker exposure to perchloroethylene (127184) and provide recommendations to reduce exposure further. Dry cleaning was accomplished at this location using two Boewe Passat machines. The shop had 16 employees. Personal samples were collected for two workers, the machine operator and a presser. All personal samples were well below the 25 parts per million (ppm) recommended limit. The operator of the machine had the higher exposure level, ranging from 0.31 to 4.9ppm. The bulk of the exposure occurred during loading and unloading operations and during machine maintenance. Controls at the site were excellent. However, the authors suggest that during loading of the machine the operator should ensure that the purge cycle runs immediately prior to the machine doors being opened or minor design changes should be made. Use of personal protective equipment during the maintenance of the equipment was very good. Chemical splash goggles and proper protective gloves should be used during spotting operations to reduce dermal exposure to the hazardous chemicals.
- Research Organization:
- National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (United States). Div. of Physical Sciences and Engineering
- OSTI ID:
- 91584
- Report Number(s):
- PB--95-242582/XAB; ECTB--201-16A
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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