Launderettes and Dry Cleaners (in coin operated units)

(i) structure and maintenance of premises;
(ii) washing machinery;
(iii) hydro extractors;
(iv) tumbler dryers;
(v) water heaters, boilers and steam generators;
(vi) other ancillary equipment;
(vii) safety policy and training.

• the need for good ventilation;
• the need for regular maintenance by a competent person;
• a high standard of electrical safety and protection (due to the potential for ingress of water or moisture) including efficient earthing of all equipment;
• adequate and suitable storage space and facilities;
• the need for a good standard of housekeeping/cleanliness.

(i) Machine drives and other services:- Belt and pulley drives and any other dangerous parts at the rear of machines to be protected by fully enclosing guards or panels on each machine. This should be in addition to any system (doors, panels etc.) to prevent public access to the rear of machines.
(ii) Hydro extractors:- To have interlocked lids so that the machine cannot be started until the lid has been closed and the lid cannot be opened until the cage has come to rest.
(iii)Front loading washing machines:- To have interlocked doors operating to same standard as hydro extractors above.
(iv)Top loading washing machines:- To have interlocked lids so that it is not possible to pass the spin cycle unless the lid is shut, and the lid cannot then be opened until the spin motion has ceased and the cage is at rest.
(v) Tumbler dryers:- To have doors interlocked with the motor
and the source of heat so that these are cut off when the door is opened to a maximum of 7.5 cms (3") and cannot be energised until the door is shut. Doors to have magnetic or similar catches which will allow them to be opened from inside or outside.
(vi)Interlocks:-

• Factors leading to interlock failure include the wet soap environment, rough usage and mistreatment. Precautionary steps should include clear instructions for users, supervision, frequent checks and good maintenance.
• Safety devices should be subject to an appropriate testing routine by a responsible person and simple records kept. For 'public' machines, this should be daily, wherever practicable.
• Machines which fail the safety test, and which cannot be rectified immediately, should be taken out of use until repaired and suitable advisory/warning notice(s) displayed.

(vii) Information and instructions:- Clear instructions should be displayed on the safe use of all machines (including references to time delays in operation). Emergency contact details, where appropriate, should also be displayed.

• Main hazards are related to the use of solvents, which have anesthetic properties and can be harmful.
• Three associated general principles of safety apply:

• Avoid spillages; avoid handling of garments containing solvents; cure leaks; ensure correct functioning of the machine at all times.
• Display notices regarding - precautions regarding solvents - emergency procedures
• Fire fighting equipment to be provided.
• No naked flames or red hot surfaces.
• Daily machine check.
• Machine operation instructions.
• Procedures for closing down the machine.
• Routine servicing (including the still, button trap and dust/lint filters, cartridge filters, water separator, pressure relief system and refrigerated cooler).
• Procedure for adding solvent.
• Emergency procedures.

• Main principles are to reduce the necessity for manual handling of solvent, minimise solvent losses and to provide sufficient ventilation to ensure the concentration of solvent vapour in any occupied area is well below any Occupational Exposure Limit.
• Design features may include interlocking doors, rotation sensing devices, solvent overflow devices, reversing mechanisms, drying control, service interlocks, machine compartment ventilation and a pressure relief device.

• Guidance relates to tanks and drums used as storage vessels, tank fittings and associated equipment, solvent delivery and spillage procedures.

(i) the machine compartment;
(ii) the area in the immediate vicinity of the machine loading position;
(iii) the area around the garment hanging rail.