250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-120-05-23.11

Current through November 7, 2024

Section 250-RICR-120-05-23.11 - Requirements for Vapor Barriers and General Exhaust Ventilation

A. Any co-located perchloroethylene dry cleaning facility which begins operation after December 2, 2003, shall be equipped with the following before beginning operation:

1. A vapor barrier that encloses the dry cleaning machine(s) or the room where the dry cleaning machine is located. The vapor barrier shall adhere to the following specifications:

a. The vapor barrier shall be constructed of twenty-two (22) mil thick PVC, sheet metal, glass, metal foil face composite board, STRUCTOGlas Class C/III Wall and Ceiling Panels (minimum thickness 0.085 inch) or other materials that are impermeable to perchloroethylene vapor;

b. The vapor barrier shall be constructed in a manner consistent with applicable fire codes, as determined by fire code enforcement agencies;

c. The vapor barrier shall be constructed and maintained such that all joints, seams and openings, except for make-up air and exhaust openings and entry doors, are sealed.

d. Cement floors in the vapor barrier must be coated with an epoxy Novolac coating or other coating that is impermeable to perchloroethylene vapors;

e. The vapor barrier shall be maintained such that it continues to be impermeable to perchloroethylene vapors at all times; and

f. Entry doors shall be kept closed except when a person is entering or exiting the room enclosure.

2. A general exhaust system that is completely separate from the ventilation system(s) serving other areas of the building. The intake of the general exhaust ventilation system must be located near the dry cleaning machinery or connected to the exhaust from the room enclosure and the system must exhaust emissions to the outdoor air. The exhaust system must be operated at all times that the dry cleaning machine(s) is in operation and during maintenance operations and must produce at least one air change per five (5) minutes.

B. A co-located perchloroethylene dry cleaning facility that began operation before December 2, 2003 shall, by the dates specified in § 23.11(C) of this Part, operate a general exhaust system according to the specifications in § 23.11(A)(2) of this Part and either:

1. Do not operate a perchloroethylene dry cleaning machine that is not a closed-loop dry-to-dry machine equipped with a refrigerated condenser, a secondary carbon adsorber and a drying sensor, or

2. Install a vapor barrier that meets the specifications in § 23.11(A)(1) of this Part.

C. Compliance with § 23.11(B) of this Part, is required according to the following schedule:

1. A perchloroethylene dry cleaning facility that is co-located with a residence, a school, a day care center or a business that sells food or food products shall be in compliance with § 23.11(B) of this Part by December 2, 2004, or on and after the date twelve (12) months after the facility is first co-located with a residence, school, day care center or business that sells food or food products, whichever is later. In no case shall the compliance date be later than December 2, 2007.

2. All other co-located perchloroethylene dry cleaning facilities shall be in compliance with § 23.11(B) of this Part on and after December 2, 2007.

250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-120-05-23.11

Amended effective 12/24/2018