Dry Cleaners

ORCAA > Services > Dry Cleaners

If you own/manage a dry cleaner within ORCAA’s jurisdiction:

All dry cleaners within ORCAA’s jurisdiction must be registered. (This does not include drop shops)
All equipment needs to be kept in good working order.

The pounds per load for each load needs to be recorded daily.
Leak inspections of the dry cleaning machine and waste storage must be conducted weekly. Records of these inspections must be kept. ORCAA provides a calendar for inspection records.
The refrigerated condenser cool air temperature must be recorded weekly during the cool down cycle. This temperature needs to be below 45^oF or 7.2^oC.
Monthly perc (or other solvent) purchases must be recorded.
Every facility is required to have and use a perc detector (halogenated hydrocarbon detector or perchloroethylene gas analyzer).

Below are a few quick tips for using the detector:

Learn how it should be calibrated. Most require fresh air prior to testing for leaks. It is recommended you turn the detector on outside of your shop. If you turn it on near a leak, it may calibrate incorrectly.
Operate your detector according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Check for leaks when they are most likely to occur. Check for leaks during the drying cycle since the dry cleaning machine is operating under pressure. Check for leaks around the distillation unit while it is running. You probably won’t find leaks during the wash cycle since perc liquid is being agitated in the drum and the condenser isn’t running.
Place the tip of the detector within one to two inches of the area being checked. Move it slowly back and forth before moving to the next location.
If the detector beeps rapidly, you may have a leak. Go back to the area where you first detected the beeps. You want to find the exact spot where the detector reliably beeps so you know the precise part or location of the leak.
If the instrument detects a perc vapor leak or is set off, make sure to air it out before continuing the inspection; otherwise, you may have incorrect results.

Keep the doors closed except when transferring articles to and from the machine.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for operating and maintaining machines and equipment.
Drain cartridge filters in a closed container for at least 24 hours before disposing.
Store all perc and wastes in tightly sealed containers that do not leak.
Repair any leaks within 24 hours, or if parts must be ordered, within five days of receiving the parts. Parts must be ordered within two working days of finding the leak.
The operation manual for the machine must be kept onsite.