Reducing Worker Exposure to Perchloroethylene (Perc) in Dry Cleaning

OSHA 3253-05N, Reducing Worker Exposure to Perchloroethylene (PERC) in Dry Cleaning, has been prepared by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to help dry cleaning establishments reduce employee exposures to perchloroethylene (also known as perc, tetrachloroethylene, C2Cl4 or Cl2C=CCl2). The dry cleaning industry has improved the control of perchloroethylene in recent years, and modern dry cleaning equipment involves much lower exposures than older style equipment. However, there is still a need to reduce employee exposure to the chemical to reduce any possible health effect that could result from long-term exposure to the chemical. Many dry cleaning employers have found that equipment design, preventive maintenance, control of leaks in equipment, proper ventilation, and good work practices can reduce perc exposure to workers, reduce costs by recovering perc for reuse, help create a cleaner environment, and help comply with federal and state environmental regulations. This booklet is intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. Perchloroethylene (?perc?) has long been recognized as an effective dry cleaning solvent and today it is by far the most commonly used solvent in dry cleaning shops. However, as a volatile organic solvent, perc may pose serious health hazards if exposure is not properly controlled. Dry cleaning workers who routinely breathe excessive amounts of the solvent vapor or spill perc on their skin are at risk of developing health problems. Special precautions are recommended to avoid health risks from perc exposure. The purpose of this guidance is to provide practical and effective ways for dry cleaning operators to reduce worker exposure to perc. The guidance emphasizes reducing perc exposure through a combination of using modern equipment and preventive maintenance, control of leaks in dry cleaning equipment, proper ventilation, and good work practices.