Poor housekeeping leading to slips, trips and falls is a hazard common to all industries, but may be a particular problem for a high-street drycleaner who is short of space. Older premises may have asbestos in building materials or pipe lagging. Electrical hazards are not unique to dry cleaners , but the risk may be greater if small businesses try to do electrical work beyond their abilities. Many cleaners use steam boilers and other pressure vessels. In the past, it was quite common for such plant to blow up. Regular thorough examinations of pressure plant and prompt repair of any defects help to ensure that this is a rarity today – but if plant is not examined, the risk of explosion will remain. Wet cooling towers also need specialist attention to prevent the spread of bacteria that cause legionnaires’ disease. The most familiar hazard to health in drycleaning is cleaning solvent. Breathing in perchloroethylene (perc) vapours above set limits may cause headache, fatigue, light-headedness, nausea and other effects. The most important hazards associated with the use of hydrocarbon solvents are those of fire and explosion, however these are not covered in this guidance. Spotting cleaning reagents may cause injury if splashed on the skin or in the eyes. Lifting heavy weights is a common cause of injury. However, injuries to muscles and joints may also arise from awkward or repetitive movements carried out over long periods. The work done by pregnant women needs special attention – they are at greater risk from manual handling injury, and they may be more tired during pregnancy.
Related Articles -
Laundry, Laundries, Laundry Services,
|