ISO 8230-2:2008

Overview

ISO 8230-2:2008 - Safety requirements for dry-cleaning machines - Part 2: Machines using perchloroethylene - specifies safety requirements for dry‑cleaning machines that exclusively use perchloroethylene (commonly called perc). Intended to be used together with ISO 8230-1:2008, this type‑C standard addresses hazards and hazardous events specific to perc use (vapour inhalation, skin/eye contact, and environmental contamination) and requires designer and manufacturer actions to eliminate or reduce risk for machines used as intended or under reasonably foreseeable misuse.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope & exclusions
  • Applies to closed‑circuit dry‑cleaning machines using perc.
  • Not applicable to open‑circuit machines or transfer machines.
• Hazard control for perc
  • Ventilation: machine operation must be interlockable with general workroom ventilation; installation guidance required in the instruction handbook.
  • Water separator and collecting tank:
    • Separator outlet must drain to a sealed collecting system (e.g., decantation tank or purification system) to avoid perc loss.
    • Means to detect perc in the tank (e.g., sight glass) and a collecting‑tank capacity at least equal to one day’s maximum production.
    • Labelling: tank must be clearly labelled to indicate it contains perc.
    • Drainage must be via an automatic‑closing manual valve or direct return to the still/ reservoir.
  • Distilling installation (still) safety:
    • Pressure‑relief device required; operating the device must cut off still heating and be accessible for inspection.
    • Still heating surface temperature limited to 150 °C.
    • Coolant flow must be interlocked with heating; heating must stop and an alarm be given if coolant flow drops and solvent condensate temperature must not exceed 55 °C.
    • Manual drain valves (if fitted) must lock and only open below 40 °C and return automatically to closed position.
• Verification & marking
  • Verification methods include design verification, testing, measurement and visual inspection per ISO 8230-1.
  • Instruction handbook must cover installation, labels, safe draining, pressure‑relief inspection, and methods to check perc concentration.
  • Machine plate marking example included (permitted solvent, solvent charge, electrical and service data).

Applications and who uses it

• Primary users: manufacturers, machine designers, safety engineers, compliance officers, and test/inspection bodies for dry‑cleaning equipment.
• Secondary users: plant operators, maintenance personnel, installers and environmental regulators concerned with solvent emissions, worker safety and groundwater protection.
• Practical value: ensures safe design and operation of perc machines, reduces vapour exposure risks, prevents soil/sewer contamination, and supports regulatory compliance and safe maintenance practices.

Related standards

• ISO 8230-1:2008 - Safety requirements for dry‑cleaning machines - Part 1: Common safety requirements
• ISO 8230-3:2008 - Part 3: Machines using combustible solvents
• ISO 12100-1:2003 - Safety of machinery - Basic concepts and terminology
• IEC 60204-1:2005 - Safety of machinery - Electrical equipment of machines

Keywords: ISO 8230-2:2008, dry‑cleaning machines, perchloroethylene, perc, safety requirements, water separator, distilling installation, ventilation, pressure‑relief, instruction handbook.