Berkshire Health and Safety



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Launderettes and Dry Cleaning (in coin-operated units)

See Asbestos; Chemicals (COSHH); Electrics; Launderette; Legionellosis; Machine Safety; Manual Handling; Noise; Risk Assessment; Slips and Trips; Ventilation; using the links.

Introduction

The laundering and dry-cleaning industry employs around 39,000 people in 3,600 businesses, with a turnover of £1.3bn. (Source: National Statistics Annual Business Inquiry 2006). Most work in small dry cleaners, but with some large industrial laundries handling hospital and hotel contracts and specialised operations such as industrial wipers. There is a significant local authority enforced sector in the launderette industry and in "on-premises laundries" (e.g. in hotels), and in in-store dry-cleaning units.

Who enforces health and safety in launderettes?

Under the Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998 launderettes and coin operated dry cleaning units are enforced by Local Authorities as are such establishments sited within a supermarket. The Health and Safety Executive would be the enforcing authority for the dry-cleaning activity (except coin operated) if those staff were employed by an independent company.

What are the main causes of injuries in this industry?

manual handling/musculoskeletal injuries (more than a third of all injuries);
slips and trips (nearly a quarter of all injuries);
hit by moving or falling objects; and
contact with moving machinery.

These four causes alone account for nearly 90% of all reported injuries.

In launderettes, a high standard of safety is necessary for machines which are intended for use by the public. Serious accidents have occurred when interlocks on machines have failed and users have been able to open the door or lid, and gain access to the revolving cage whilst it has been running at high speed. Such interlock failures can be caused by normal wear and tear, machine abuse and vandalism. Guarding of all dangerous parts, electrical safety and training of employees are all important considerations.

In coin-operated dry cleaning units, the use of solvents is the main safety issue, in addition to those outlined above.

What are the main causes of ill-health?

Musculoskeletal injury from manual handling boxes, sacks, wheeled trolleys etc
Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs), e.g. from repetitive sorting/packing work
Noise induced hearing loss from noisy machines, e.g. cleaning plant, packaging machinery
Respiratory irritation from breathing fumes such as chlorine, hypochlorite, ammonia and sulphur dioxide
Occupational dermatitis from chemical cleaners

What can I do to prevent injury/ill-health?

Some of the particularly relevant points include:

the need for good ventilation;
the need for regular maintenance by a competent person to include checks on interlocked lids/doors;
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.
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.
tumble dryer doors to have magnetic or similar catches which will allow them to be opened from inside or outside.
provide clear instructions for users, supervision, frequent checks.
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.
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.
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.
minimisation of exposure to solvent vapour
fire fighting equipment to be provided

What are the main legal requirements?

All persons conducting a business of this type are subject to the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and its Regulations.

A risk assessment should be also carried out for operations. An example of a generic risk assessment template for dry cleaners is available from the HSE website using this link.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/casestudies/pdf/drycleaners.pdf

This should be adapted/amended in line with the specific business concerned.

Checklist – launderettes and dry cleaning (in coin operated units)

1.	Are dangerous parts at the rear of machines guarded?	YES	NO
2.	Is public access to the rear of machines prevented?	YES	NO
3.	Are the lids or doors to machines suitably and efficiently interlocked?	YES	NO
4.	Do you have a written machine safety testing routine, followed and recorded by a responsible person?	YES	NO
5.	Do you provide clear information and instructions (including emergency procedures or defect reporting) for customers?	YES	NO
6.	Have you carried out a risk assessment on the use of machinery?	YES	NO
7.	Have you carried out a COSHH assessment on the use of solvents?	YES	NO
8.	Are you aware of the HSE guidance/advice relating to (newer) flammable hydrocarbon solvents?	YES	NO

Further Information/References

NALI Guidelines Nos. 1 and 2 – Safety in launderettes and self-service dry cleaning establishments – NALI, Guardian House, 92/94 Foxberry Road, London, SE4 2SH; Tel 0208 856 9798

INDG310 - Dry-cleaners: Are you in control? Health and safety in dry-cleaning

"Health, Safety and Environment Management Guidelines", from the Textile Services Association.
This is the principal reference for information on health and safety in laundries and dry-cleaning. It has been produced with HSE collaboration

The Guild of Cleaners and Launderers is a technical and professional society whose aim is to further knowledge and skill in all branches of the industry. They provide training for the industry, health and safety being an important part of this training.

The National Association of Launderette Industry Ltd (NALI) represent the coin operated and launderette industries. NALI produce a booklet "What every Launderette owner should know", which is available from the address below:

NALI
146 Welling Way
Welling
Kent
DA16 2RS



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