Placerville Municipal Code Ch. 13 Automatic Dry Cleaning Machines

The term "automatic dry cleaning machine" as used in this chapter shall mean any device or apparatus for the cleaning of clothes or fabrics, and designed to be used or operated by the general public, which machine makes use of or contains perchlorethylene or any other chemical solvent or substance which may cause harm to human beings by reason of inhalation or contact. (1962 Code)

It shall be unlawful for any person to install, operate or maintain any automatic dry cleaning machine except in compliance with the provisions of this chapter. (1962 Code)

It shall be unlawful to install any automatic dry cleaning machine for use by the public without first securing a license therefor. The annual fee for the license shall be twenty five dollars ($25.00) plus five dollars ($5.00) for each unit in addition to five (5), maintained in any one establishment. (1962 Code)

(A) Machine Ventilation: Each machine shall be completely enclosed by a cabinet and shall be vented with intake at the top and the outlet at or near the bottom of the machine. Groups of machines may be entirely enclosed or supported on all open sides by an enclosure topped with a hood vented as provided for each individual machine.

(B) Exhaust System: The exhaust system must maintain a minimum flow of one hundred (100) cubic feet per minute face velocity through the loading door whenever the door is open.

(C) Discharge Stack: The discharge stack for the machines and for the room in which the machines are located shall extend at least two feet (2') above the level of any window which can be opened located within fifty feet (50') of the outlet of the stack, and shall be at least fifty feet (50') away from any fresh air intake leading to any premises.

(D) Loading Door: The machines must be so constructed as to prevent the loading door from being opened during the normal cycle of operation. Each machine shall be equipped with a transparent door or part to allow visual examination of the status of the cleaning cycle.

(E) Water Supply Connection: Any connection of the machine with the water supply system must be equipped with an air gap or vacuum breaker in the line upstream from the condenser; with no control valves downstream from such gap or breaker. Wastewater shall be discharged through an air gap.

(F) Room Ventilation: The room in which the machine is installed shall be ventilated so that there shall be a minimum flow of air per machine from the area to which the public is admitted, of at least five hundred (500) cubic feet per machine per minute in a room where there are no more than three (3) machines installed; four hundred (400) cubic feet per minute where there are no more than eight (8) machines installed; three hundred seventy five (375) cubic feet per minute where there are no more than sixteen (16) machines installed; and three hundred sixty (360) cubic feet per minute where there are more than seventeen (17) machines installed. For this purpose each cleaning cell shall be considered as one machine.

(G) Leakage Prevention: Each machine must be so designed and constructed as to prevent the leakage of liquids, gas or vapors. (1962 Code)

No automatic dry cleaning machine shall be operated unless all the equipment described in the foregoing section is properly installed and in good operating condition.

No establishment for which a license is required under this chapter shall be open for business, and it shall be un lawful to admit the public into the room where the machines are located unless there is on duty in the establishment at all times a competent person in charge. There shall be warning signs posted in places of easy observation warning of the dangers in the event leakage of liquids, gas or vapor occurs. It shall be unlawful to permit any residue containing solvent to flow into the sewer system of the city; tightly covered metal containers may be used for temporary storage of such waste outside the building. Such containers shall bear labels indicating the contents and dangers involved in handling, and shall be locked if in an unenclosed place.

At least one legible sign shall be maintained in a place available to customers giving the name, address and phone number of the owner of the establishment, and of the service department or agency responsible for the proper maintenance of the machines. (1962 Code)

It shall be the duty of the chief of police or the building inspector to cause such inspections to be made as are necessary to see to the enforcement of the provisions of this chapter. (1962 Code)