Subchapter A. LAUNDRIES
GENERAL PROVISIONS Sec.
23.1. Definitions.
23.2. Scope.
23.3. Penalty.
SPECIFICATIONS FOR ALL INSTALLATIONS
23.11. Marking machine.
23.12. Equipment.
23.13. Centrifugal extractors or whizzers.
23.14. Power wringers.
23.15. Dampening machines.
23.16. Ironers.
23.17. Sewing machines.
23.18. Steam pipes.
23.19. Exhaust or ventilating fans.
23.20. Starting and stopping device.
23.21. Drainage and flooring.
SPECIFICATIONS FOR NEW INSTALLATIONS
23.31. Equipment.
23.32. Centrifugal extractors or whizzers.
23.33. Ventilation.
SPECIFICATIONS FOR EXISTING INSTALLATIONS
23.41. Centrifugal extractors or whizzers.
PROHIBITION
23.51. Minors.
Authority The provisions of this Subchapter A issued under act of June 2, 1913 (P. L. 396, No. 267) (71 P. S. § § 1441—1451); and section 15 of the act of May 18, 1937 (P. L. 654, No. 174) (43 P. S. § 25-15), unless otherwise noted.
Source The provisions of this Subchapter A adopted January 15, 1927, amended through July 1, 1968; unless otherwise noted.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
§ 23.1. Definitions.
The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Dampening machine—A machine used for dampening clothes or other textiles.
Drying tumbler—A machine in which clothes or other textiles are dried by air. It usually consists of an enclosure inside of which is a revolving cylinder.
Extractor—A power-driven centrifugal machine used for removing surplus moisture from clothes or other textiles.
Guarded, encased or enclosed—Any object, equipment, or its parts which are so covered, shielded, fenced or otherwise protected that accidental contact at the point of danger, resulting in injury, is not possible.
Hazardous—An object which is so accessible as to permit contact that may result in injury.
Ironer—A hand or power-operated machine with one or more rolls or heated surfaces in contact used for ironing or smoothing clothes or other textiles.
Laundry—An establishment in which garments or other materials are washed in water, dried, starched, ironed or otherwise finished. This term does not include the operations of printing, bleaching, mercerizing, drycleaning, or dyeing of garments or other textile materials.
Marking machine—A power-driven machine used for marking clothes or other textiles.
Sewing machine—A machine used for sewing or stitching clothes or other textiles.
Shaker clothes tumbler—A revolving cylinder used for shaking out clothes or other textiles.
Starching machine—A power-driven machine used for the starching of clothes or other textiles.
Washing machine—A power-driven machine used for washing clothes or other textiles. It generally consists of a stationary case or shell inside of which is a revolving perforated cylinder.
Wringer—One or more power-driven rolls used for removing surplus moisture from clothes or other textiles.§ 23.2. Scope.
(a) This subchapter pertains to all laundries within this Commonwealth. and sets forth rules to safeguard the lives, limbs and health of workers in laundries.
(b) Both the employer and employe shall have the responsibility of complying with the provisions of this subchapter.
§ 23.3. Penalty.
Any person who violates any of the provisions of this Subchapter or any regulations of the Department or who interferes with the Department or its duly authorized representative in the enforcement of such provisions or regulations shall be penalized under section 15 of act of May 18, 1937 (P. L. 654, No. 174) (43 P. S. § 25-15).
SPECIFICATIONS FOR ALL INSTALLATIONS
§ 23.11. Marking machine.
Each power-marking machine shall be equipped with an improved tripping device or barrier guard of approved type to prevent the fingers of the operator from coming in contact with the descending marking plunger.
§ 23.12. Equipment.
(a) Each washing machine, drying tumbler, drum, shaker or similar equipment of the double cylinder type shall have a device for holding open the doors or covers of the inner and outer cylinders while it is loaded or unloaded.
(b) Each washing machine, drying tumbler, drum, shaker or similar equipment of the single cylinder type shall have a device to hold open the doors or covers while it is loaded or unloaded unless the doors or covers open downward.
§ 23.13. Centrifugal extractors or whizzers.
(a) Each motor-driven centrifugal extractor or whizzer shall have a metal cover provided equipped with an interlocking device which shall prevent the cover from opening while the basket is in motion and also prevent the power operation of the basket while the cover is open. The device may not prevent the movement of the basket by hand to insure an even loading.
(b) Each centrifugal extractor or whizzer shall be securely fastened in position to eliminate unnecessary vibration and shall not be operated at a speed greater than the rating of the manufacturer. Each engine individually driving a centifugal extractor or whizzer shall be provided with an approved engine stop and speed limit governor.
§ 23.14. Power wringers.
Power wringers shall be equipped either with a device which instantaneously relieves roll pressure, or with a bar or other guard extending across the entire front of the feed or first pressure rails. The bar or guard shall be so arranged that when it is struck by the hand of the operator or other person it causes the machine to stop. The requirement of this section may not apply to blanket washers.
§ 23.15. Dampening machines.
Each roll type dampening machine shall have the rolls entirely enclosed and guarded with a slot or hopper device, or a rod located directly in front of the feed and extending the full length of the rolls.
§ 23.16. Ironers.
(a) Reclothing rolls. During the operation of reclothing the rolls of all ironers, the power shall be shut off and the machine turned by hand or foot, except in the case of power-driven speed controlled ironers using low speed, or machines which normally run only at low speed. In such cases an operator shall be stationed at the power control.
(b) Foot treadle pressure. The maximum amount of foot treadle pressure for foot treadle-operated ironers and presses shall be not greater than 75 pounds.
(c) Platform. All foot treadle-operated roll type ironers or presses shall be equipped with a stationary working platform equal in height to the distance between the foot treadle at its lowest point and the floor.
(d) Hand ironing. The ironing board for hand ironing shall be adjustable for height or the height of ironing boards shall be adjusted to the height of the operator by means of working platforms.
(e) Flat-work type. Each flat-work ironer shall be equipped either with a bar or other approved guard across the entire front of the feed or first pressure rolls so arranged that the striking of the bar or guard by the hand of the operator or other person causes the machine to stop, or with a fixed rod to prevent the hands from entering the rolls. All pressure rolls on flat-work ironers shall be guarded over the top and sides so that a person 6 feet tall may not reach into the rolls without removing the guard. When the doffer roll is used and is operated by power other than the ribbon or apron feed, a guard shall also be placed in front of the roll.
(f) Rotary, roll and shoe type. Each body ironer of the rotary, roll and shoe type, sleeve, bosom, coat, band, combination collar and cuff ironer, and other similar equipment, except machines operated by foot treadle pressure, shall be equipped either with a bar or other approved guard across the entire length of the feed roll or shoe, so arranged that the striking of the bar or guard by the hand of the operator or other person causes the machine to stop, or with a fixed rod to prevent the hands from coming in contact with the rolls or shoe. The hot roll or shoe shall be covered so as to prevent the operator or other person from coming in contact with the heated surfaces.
(g) Press type. Each power-driven body ironer of the press type shall be equipped with a device to prevent the fingers of the operator from getting caught between the ironing surfaces when under pressure.
§ 23.17. Sewing machines.
Each sewing machine shall be equipped with a guard permanently attached to the machine so that the fingers of the operator do not pass under the needle. It shall be of such type that the needle may be conveniently threaded without removing the guard.
§ 23.18. Steam pipes.
Steam pipes, except those pertaining to a building heating system, within 7 feet of the floor or a working platform and exposed to contact shall be covered with a heat resistive material or otherwise properly guarded. This requirement does not apply to valves and fittings.
§ 23.19. Exhaust or ventilating fans.
Any part of each exhaust or ventilating fan which is within seven feet of the floor or a working platform shall be completely covered with wire mesh of not less than No. 16 gauge with openings not larger than 1/2 inch at their greatest dimension. This requirement does not apply to fans in drying rooms.
§ 23.20. Starting and stopping device.
Each power-driven machine shall have an approved starting and stopping device so located that it may be operated from the normal point of operation.
§ 23.21. Drainage and flooring.
(a) Workroom floors. The floors of workrooms in which washing or extracting operations are performed shall be constructed of a material impervious to water and so leveled as to readily drain off all accumulations of water in sufficient time to prevent the formation of pools.
(b) Cement or concrete floors. In front of each machine, except for extractors or washers, situated on a cement or concrete floor, there shall be placed a standing rack of wood or equivalent material. This rack shall be of such dimensions as to accommodate the operator at all points of his normal operating positions, and shall be so beveled as not to create a tripping hazard. Duckboard type of construction shall be accepted. Mats of rubber, cork, linoleum, or similar material shall be accepted in lieu of racks where such floors are maintained in a dry condition.
(c) Wet floors. On any type of floor where wet floor conditions prevail, a wooden rack of duckboard construction or with the top surface cleated to prevent slipping shall be required in front of each machine except for extractors or washers. This rack shall accomodate the operator at all points of his normal operating positions, and shall not create a tripping hazard. Wire mats or raised metal racks shall be accepted in lieu of the wooden rack. For the operators of extractors or washers located where wet floor conditions prevail, the employer shall provide water-resistive boots or shoes to insure that their feet are dry and free from dampness at all times, and such boots or shoes shall be accepted in lieu of the racks.
SPECIFICATIONS FOR NEW INSTALLATIONS
§ 23.31. Equipment.
(a) Each washing machine, drying tumbler, drum, shaker or similar equipment of the double cylinder type shall be provided with an interlocking device to prevent the inside cylinder from moving when the outer door on the case or shell is open. The device shall prevent the outer door from opening while the inside cylinder is in motion. This device may not prevent the movement of the inner cylinder under the action of a hand-operated mechanism or an inching device.
(b) Each washing machine, drying tumbler, drum, shaker or similar equipment of the single cylinder type shall be equipped with an approved device which shall automatically prevent the cylinder from moving while the door is open. The outside of the cylinder shall be smooth-surfaced or so guarded as to prevent contact with employes or other persons while the machine is in operation.
§ 23.32. Centrifugal extractors or whizzers.
(a) Each belt-driven centrifugal extractor or whizzer shall be equipped with a metal cover with an interlocking device which shall prevent both the cover from opening while the basket is in motion and the power operation of the basket while the cover is open. The device may not prevent the movement of the basket by hand to insure an even loading.
(b) The rating of the manufacturer shall be stamped in letters not less than 1/4 inch high on the inside of the basket in a place that is easily visible. The maximum permissible speed shall be given in revolutions per minute.
§ 23.33. Ventilation.
Effective means of ventilation against steam, gases, excessive heat or similar conditions shall be installed and maintained.
SPECIFICATIONS FOR EXISTING INSTALLATIONS
§ 23.41. Centrifugal extractors or whizzers.
(a) Each belt-driven centrifugal extractor or whizzer shall be equipped with a metal cover with an interlocking device which shall prevent both the cover from opening while the basket is connected to power and the power operation of the basket while cover is open. The device may not prevent the movement of the basket by hand to insure an even loading. A hand-operated brake shall be installed on each belt-driven extractor wherever possible.
(b) The rating of the manufacturer shall be stamped in letters not less than 1/4 inch high on the outside of the machine in a place that is easily visible. The maximum permissible speed shall be given in revolutions per minute.
(c) When rated speeds cannot be obtained from the manufacturer, the following speeds shall not be exceeded:
Diameter extractors
(in inches)Revolutions per
minute30 1200 48 750 60 500
PROHIBITION
§ 23.51. Minors.
All owners and operators of laundries shall comply with section 5 of act of May 13, 1915 (P. L. 286, No. 177) (43 P. S. § 44) which prohibits the employment of any minor under 16 years of age in, about, or in connection with, any manufacturing or mechanical occupation or process.
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