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"DO IT YOURSELF" DRY CLEANING ESTABLISHMENTS.
In dry cleaning establishments throughout the borough, "Do It
Yourself" dry cleaning machines have been installed. These machines use
a chemical known as perchloroethylene. The normal industrial use of this
fluid is free from health hazard, but if the cleaned articles are not
thoroughly ventilated and are subsequently placed in a closed atmosphere
such as a car, or if they are taken home in a polythene bag and removed
in a small room, dizziness could develop in anyone in close proximity to
the articles.
In view of these circumstances, and in the interests of health
education and safety, the Health Committee were of the opinion that the
attention of all users of these machines should be drawn to the necessity
for thoroughly shaking and aerating the garments prior to their removal
from the premises.
The Health Committee agreed that this warning could best be
accomplished by the provision by the Council of official notices on
durable material to be issued free of charge to each establishment. The
wording for the notice was agreed as follows:-
THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA
IMPORTANT NOTICE
ON REMOVAL FROM THE MACHINE ALL DRY CLEANED GARMENTS MOST
BE THOROUGHLY SHAKEN TO GET RID OF FUMES WHICH COULD BE DANGEROUS
J J. H. WEIR,
MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH.