In-depth survey report: exposures during the spotting procedure in a commercial dry cleaner at Widmer's Dry Cleaning, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Authors
Spencer AB; Earnest GS; Kovein RJ
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, ECTB 201-13b, 1995 Jul; :1-27
Abstract
A study was made to document and evaluate effective techniques for controlling potential health hazards at Widmer's Dry Cleaning (SIC- 7216), Cincinnati, Ohio. Special attention was given to worker exposure during the spotting process. The existing engineering control in place for the process was a small kitchen type hood which was inadequate to remove contaminated air, as evidenced by smoke tubes. Personal breathing zone long term samples for the spotter and tagger were taken for perchloroethylene (127184), trichloroethylene (79016), 2-butoxyethanol (111762), and hexylene- glycol (107415). Short term samples were collected for perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, methyl-isobutyl-ketone (108101), and n-butyl-acetate (123864). Area samples were collected for perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene. All the levels monitored were below the recommended OSHA limits. The authors recommend that specific measures be taken to reduce exposures, including exhausting the spotting process to the outdoors, isolating the spotting process during management's planned facility construction, use of proper personal protective equipment, and training the spotter to reduce solvent usage.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Survey; Field-Study; Region-5; Control-technology; Dry-cleaning-industry; Dry-cleaning-solvents; Organic-solvents; Solvent-vapors; Chlorinated-hydrocarbons
CAS No.
127-18-4; 79-01-6; 111-76-2; 107-41-5; 108-10-1; 123-86-4
Document Type
Field Studies; Control Technology
NTIS Accession No.
PB95-267621
Identifying No.
ECTB-201-13b
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
