N.Y.C. Admin. Code § FC 2105: Section FC 2105: Operating and Maintenance Requirements

2105.1 General.

Dry cleaning systems shall be operated and maintained in compliance with the requirements of this section, the manufacturer's specifications and the construction codes, including the Building Code.

2105.1.1 Written instructions.

The manufacturer's manuals for the installation, operation and maintenance of the equipment shall be maintained on the premises and made available for inspection by any representative of the department.

2105.1.1.1 Type II, III-A, III-B and IV systems.

Type II, III-A, III-B and IV dry cleaning systems shall be operated in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer. The owner shall ensure that all persons operating dry cleaning equipment comply with such instructions.

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 equipment. A telephone number shall be provided for emergency assistance.

2105.1.2 Equipment identification.

The manufacturer shall permanently affix to dry cleaning equipment nameplates indicating the class of solvent for which each piece of equipment is designed. The name of the dry cleaning solvent approved for use in dry cleaning equipment shall be clearly and conspicuously marked or posted at the fill connection of the equipment.

2105.1.3 Prohibited operations.

It shall be unlawful to dry clean by immersion and agitation in open systems.

2105.1.4 Prohibited use of solvent.

Only solvents of a type listed for a particular piece of equipment shall be used in such equipment.

2105.1.5 Equipment maintenance and housekeeping.

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

2105.1.5.1 Floors.

Class I and II liquids as defined in FC 202 shall not be used for cleaning floors.

2105.1.5.2 Filters.

Filter residue and other waste containing solvent shall be stored in covered metal containers and disposed of lawfully.

2105.1.5.3 Lint.

Lint and other waste shall be removed from traps daily, deposited in approved waste cans and disposed of lawfully. Lint traps shall remain in place while the dry cleaning equipment is in operation.

2105.1.5.4 Customer areas.

In Type V dry cleaning systems, customer areas shall be kept free of rubbish and other combustible waste.

2105.2 Type II systems.

Type II dry cleaning systems shall be operated in accordance with the following additional requirements.

2105.2.1 Inspection of items.

Items to be dry cleaned shall be searched thoroughly, and foreign materials, including matches and metallic substances, shall be removed.

2105.2.2 Transfer.

In removing dry cleaned items from the washer, provision shall be made to minimize the dripping of solvent onto the floor. Where items 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 shall be installed in dry cleaning rooms and in drying rooms in accordance with the construction codes, including the Mechanical Code. The ventilation system shall operate automatically when the dry cleaning equipment is in operation and shall have manual controls at an approved location.

2105.3 Type III, IV and V systems.

Type III, IV and V dry cleaning systems shall be provided with an automatically activated exhaust ventilation system as required and in accordance with the construction codes, including the Mechanical Code.

2105.4 Periodic inspection and testing.

All dry cleaning equipment using Class II or III solvents shall be inspected and tested on at least an annual basis. The owner of the dry cleaning facility shall remove from service any equipment that is found to be defective, and shall promptly repair such equipment or remove it from the premises. Such equipment shall not be returned to service until it has been inspected and tested. All such inspection and testing shall be performed by a person holding a certificate of fitness.

2105.4.1 Inspection reports.

The individual performing the inspection and testing of equipment shall prepare a written report identifying any defects in the condition and operation of the equipment and/or certifying that the equipment can be safely operated in accordance with this chapter. A certification that all equipment in service is in proper working order in accordance with this chapter shall be maintained on the premises for 3 years and made available for inspection by any representative of the department.

2105.5 Filling and emptying.

The filling and emptying of dry cleaning equipment with Class II or III solvents shall be performed by a certificate of fitness holder. Each filling and emptying of dry cleaning equipment with a Class II or III solvent shall be recorded in a logbook. Such records shall include the date of the filling or emptying, the type and amount of dry cleaning solvent, the equipment filled or emptied, and the name and certificate number of the certificate of fitness holder who performed the filling or emptying.