Section 2105 — OPERATING REQUIREMENTS

The operation of dry cleaning systems shall comply with the requirements of Sections 2105.1.1 through 2105.3.

2105.1.1 Written instructions. Written instructions covering the proper installation and safe operation and use of equipment and solvent shall be given to the buyer.

2105.1.1.1 Type II, III-A, III-B and IV systems. In Type II, III-A, III-B and IV dry cleaning systems, machines shall be operated in accordance with the operating instructions furnished by the machinery manufacturer. Employees shall be instructed as to the hazards involved in their departments and in the work they perform.

2105.1.1.2 Type V systems. Operating instructions for customer use of Type V dry cleaning systems shall be conspicuously posted in a location near the dry cleaning unit. A telephone number shall be provided for emergency assistance.

2105.1.2 Equipment identification. The manufacturer shall provide nameplates on dry cleaning machines indicating the class of solvent for which each machine is designed.

2105.1.3 Open systems prohibited. Dry cleaning by immersion and agitation in open vessels shall be prohibited.

2105.1.4 Prohibited use of solvent. The use of solvents with a flash point below that for which a machine is designed or listed shall be prohibited.

2105.1.5 Equipment maintenance and housekeeping. Proper maintenance and operating practices shall be observed in order to prevent the leakage of solvent or the accumulation of lint. The handling of waste material generated by dry cleaning operations and the maintenance of facilities shall comply with the provisions of this section.

2105.1.5.1 Floors. Class I and II liquids shall not be used for cleaning floors.

2105.1.5.2 Filters. Filter residue and other residues containing solvent shall be handled and disposed of in covered metal containers.

2105.1.5.3 Lint. Lint and refuse shall be removed from traps daily, deposited in approved waste cans, removed from the premises, and disposed of safely. At all other times, traps shall be held securely in place.

2105.1.5.4 Customer areas. In Type V dry cleaning systems, customer areas shall be kept clean.

Special operating requirements for Type II dry cleaning systems shall comply with the provisions of Sections 2105.2.1 through 2105.2.3.

2105.2.1 Inspection of materials. Materials to be dry cleaned shall be searched thoroughly and foreign materials, including matches and metallic substances, shall be removed.

2105.2.2 Material transfer. In removing materials from the washer, provisions shall be made for minimizing the dripping of solvent on the floor. Where materials are transferred from a washer to a drain tub, a nonferrous metal drip apron shall be placed so that the apron rests on the drain tub and the cylinder of the washer.

2105.2.3 Ventilation. A mechanical ventilation system that is designed to exhaust 1 cubic foot of air per minute for each square foot of floor area [0.0058 m [3] /(s × m [2] )] shall be installed in dry cleaning rooms and in drying rooms. The ventilation system shall operate automatically when the dry cleaning equipment is in operation and shall have manual controls at an approved location.

Type IV and V dry cleaning systems shall be provided with an automatically activated exhaust ventilation system to maintain an air velocity of not less than 100 feet per minute (0.51 m/s) through the loading door when the door is opened. Such systems for dry cleaning equipment shall comply with the California Mechanical Code .

Exception: Dry cleaning units are not required to be provided with exhaust ventilation where an exhaust hood is installed immediately outside of and above the loading door and operates at an airflow rate as follows:

Equation 21-1 Q = 100 × A LD

where:

Q = flow rate exhausted through the hood, cubic feet per minute (m [3] /s). A LD = area of the loading door, square feet (m [2] ).

21-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.

DRY CLEANING