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Safety systems on washing and ironing machines in the small laundry

Let’s talk about safety in small laundries. The risk exposure when it comes to small laundries is not lower than we highlighted a few months ago for the industrial laundries: the work environment, machinery, logistics, exposure to chemical agents and much more, is quite different. An essential condition would be the compliance with the regulations provided for the Drycleaning and Laundry services. It is necessary to ensure, throughout the entire working process, the correct use of machines, all regulated specifications related to the chemicals used, the correct disposal of special waste, as well as training and updating courses for the staff. In each country there are specific regulations that every manufacturer must necessarily comply with if it wants to export its machinery or products to a certain country. Particular attention must be paid to the safe use of machinery and equipment, the use of extraction and ventilation systems, and the methods and risks associated with using the products, solvents and chemicals. That is why it is essential to rely on companies that combine quality with professionalism by ensuring regular monitoring of equipment and machinery safety even over the years. Besides the products and machines produced and delivered by each company, is there a special attention for the preventive and corrective maintenance?

We begin our reportage column of this month by meeting Corinna Mapelli, the Co-owner of TREVIL S.r.l., a company that designs and produces professional finishing equipment and electric steam generators for industrial use. “We start from the premise that as manufacturers, we must comply with mandatory regulations. From this perspective, we rely on the support of external professionals in order to keep us updated regarding all certifications. It is an essential task, a kind of underground river that doesn’t provide a competitive advantage but constitutes a good foundation for quality.” What does it mean having a CE label? “It means that the company must plan and invest to ensure the highest level of quality. It’s not a trivial matter. If we talk about features that we could define as softer but still related to safety, at Trevil we pay particular attention to the usability and ergonomics of the machines. The operator should feel comfortable working with our machines, so it is necessary to prevent any potential reasons of unsatisfaction that could generate conflicts with the employer. It is essential to have products that are easy and comfortable to use. Consider our products with touch screen display: all interfaces are intuitive and user-friendly.”

Which are the measurements that you take to prevent the risk of burns, as finishing machines manufacturer? “European directives require that this risk should be eliminated. All hot parts are protected, and where there is not possible, in addition to being appropriately signalized there are also additional safety devices.” What about electrical risks? “Also in this case, we are working within the framework of what is specified by the regulations. We are using a construction technique that helps to protect the operator. For example, the electrical connections must be arranged inside the machine, so that the operator cannot accidentally touch live parts, especially during machine cleaning operation. Design and protection are key. In the so-called “finger test” used by the product certification entities, there is precisely a practical simulation where the hand, or rather the finger, is inserted in all parts of the machine to prevent electrical risk. The goal is machine compliance. Another aspect is that there must always be double insulation, meaning it must not be possible for a wire, due to wear for example, to break and put the body under tension. Prevention is achieved through good construction rules. Consider a simple ironing table: the heating element that is heating the ironing board has two thermostats: one for on/off control and another with a safety thermostat. These are requirements imposed by the regulations, and it is important to be aware of them”.

Among all the equipment of a small laundry and dry-cleaning shop, the dry-cleaning machine is undoubtedly the most complex, as it integrates various technologies such as thermodynamics, mechanics, chemistry, electronics, and more. We discuss about this with Gabriele Cuppini, the Sales Director of UNION S.p.A., a company producing dry-cleaning machines. Union has always designed machines with a strong focus on product safety, following specific standards already in force for several years. The harmonized technical standards that we apply are corresponding to ISO 8230, and cover “safety requirements for dry-cleaning machines”, including general requirements for machines using perchloroethylene and also those using solvents. As manufacturers, we also participated in the Technical Committee that developed the aforementioned technical standards. In general, we design our machines in such a way that they comply with all relevant European Directives and Italian decrees related to health, workplace safety, and environment. This includes directives regarding the machinery, electromagnetic compatibility, low voltage, noise protection, limitation of emissions of volatile organic compounds due to the use of organic solvents, as well as general environmental standards and regulations for the protection of health and safety to the workplace. All of these standards aim to ensure safety for both the operator and the environment. Trying to simplify the regulations, here are some features that meet safety requirements.

The machines are designed to be built inside a containment tank that is intended to prevent any solvent leakage, even accidentally, from coming into contact with the ground. All doors are secured by safety systems controlled by the machine’s computer, for protecting the operator. Double control is achieved through microswitches that are activated for securing the machine in case a door is opened. Additionally, all doors are protected by pneumatic locks, which are controlled by these microswitches via the computer to lock and unlock the opening of the machine doors. As environmental safety measures, the machines are designed to have indirect controls on the solvent concentration. These safety systems ensure that that during garment loading and unloading operations, the solvent concentration in the environment remains below regulatory limits. Special attention is given to the distillation system, which is equipped with multiple safety features for both maintenance access and safe operation.

Maintenance procedures have also been designed to be carried out safely. It has been a special attention to developing clear and comprehensive manuals that operators are required to carefully read on purchase. These manuals provide in-depth instructions on the correct usage and maintenance of the machine, ensuring safe operation and maintenance. The machine is also designed to assist the operator with necessary routine maintenance tasks. Notifications appear on the computer control display to remind the operator when maintenance interventions are needed for the proper functioning of the machine. These reminders are crucial for ensuring the ongoing performance and reliability of the equipment. In conclusion of this brief summary on machine safety, we can affirm that Union machines are designed to meet the most stringent safety requirements required by the current regulations”.

In the small laundries dynamic world, the work place safety is an essential priority,” says Michele Battistella, the Sales Director of BATTISTELLA B.G. S.r.l., a company specialized in producing professional finishing machines. “The challenges and needs of this sector demand innovative and reliable solutions to ensure a safe and efficient working environment. In this context, we consider ourselves pioneers in integrating advanced technologies and ergonomic practices in designing our products, revolutionizing the way how the small laundries are facing the daily challenges of safety and productivity. With a history dating back to 1975 and decades of experience in the sector, we distinguish ourselves in the production of finishing machinery 100% made in Italy, with a special focus on high quality, the people involved, and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies. Among our flagship products is the GIUNONE model, characterized by an ergonomic design with adjustable height that ensures the safety and comfort of workers during daily use. But what makes us really unique in the landscape of traditional dyeing and dry-cleaning shops? In addition to producing highquality machinery, we are committed in ensuring high safety standards through a series of technical and practical measures.

All of our industrial products are equipped with electronic control panels, allowing operators to monitor and adjust machine operations in real time. These control panels not only provide the precise control of the activities but also deliver instant notifications in case of malfunctions or failures, enabling operators to intervene promptly and prevent potentially hazardous situations. Furthermore, we also try to exploit at best the potential of digital technology to promote safety and awareness among our customers. Through our social media channels and website, we provide detailed information about all our products and their appropriate use, thereby reducing the risk of accidents or damages caused by improper use of machinery. Our constant commitment to innovation and safety in the small laundries sector is reflected in our strict compliance with the safety regulations and continuous research for advanced solutions to enhance the operators’ experience and ensure maximum efficiency in washing and finishing activities. In conclusion, as Battistella B.G., we consider ourselves a point of reference in the industry, offering cutting-edge solutions that integrate advanced technologies and ergonomic practices to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.”

For IMESA S.p.A., a laundry equipment producer, we interviewed Carlo Miotto, the CEO & Sales Director of the company, launching immediately our first question. Which safety precautions are you taking when designing your washing and ironing machines? “Our company is specialized in creating laundry solutions, focusing its attention moreover on the ironing machines in this case. The ironing operations in the laundry require the manual work of the operator, and the laundry staff is not always properly trained or have extensive experience. It is therefore essential to count on reliable equipment that ensures maximum safety even in the event of incorrect use or wrong operator handling. When designing an Imesa machine, the “safety devices” header demands a great attention from our engineering staff; the result is three highly safe lines of flat ironers, FI range flatwork ironers, MCA and MCM range of drying ironers. Let’s enter into the specifics of the FI flatwork ironers range.

The new FI flatwork ironer models, both Easy Line and Smart Line, are equipped with a new safety device that meets the requirements of the relevant standards. These standards specify that the machine must include a chest lifting system that works even when there is no power supply so that the garment is removed from the chest, preventing its damage. It consists of an intuitive chest lifting system, easily accessible from outside the equipment. The Imesa flatwork ironer is also safe due to some other features. The space for feeding the fabric complies with the provisions of the relevant standards and regulations concerning operator safety. During normal operation, the operator can manage the approach and withdrawal of the chest using the dedicated foot pedal. The machine is also equipped with an emergency button that, when activated, immediately stops the ironing cycle and lifts up the chest. The hands safety bar is another safety feature: if it comes into contact with the operator’s hands due to any movement errors, the ironing cycle is interrupted, and the chest is lifted up. These last two protection systems are managed by a certified safety control unit”.

“Safety is a fundamental aspect for PONY S.p.A., both concerning the work environment and the manufacturing of the machines themselves,” this is how our conversation begins with Paolo Fumagalli, the President of the company located in Inzago (Milan), specialized in producing professional finishing machines. “All Pony products designed for the small laundries and drycleaning shops comply with EU directives and industry-specific standards worldwide. Already from the design stage, Pony machines are conceived to ensure maximum workplace safety, taking into account potential accidental misuse as well as any risks during the post-installation maintenance phase. Pony has implemented safety solutions to reduce potential mechanical, electrical, thermal, and pressurized system-related risks and hazards, as well as those concerning ergonomics.

Pony is committed to ensuring that all machines comply with the EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) directives for electrical system safety, as well as providing adequate protection against accidental contact. All boilers comply with Directive 2014/68/EU for the safety of pressure equipment, and include safety devices such as valves, pressure switches, and thermostats. From a mechanical perspective, the machines are equipped with various safety systems, such as two-hand controls, handsafety frames, emergency stop and reset features, etc. The company is also focused on the ergonomics of the machines, for example, by using the Hot Air Recovery System (H.A.R.S.) to limit heat and noise, and accessibility designed to maintain a comfortable and safe working position. Additionally, machines equipped with PONY TOUCH LOGIC, EASY ACCESS 2.0, and PONY CLOUD technology include scheduled maintenance systems and alarm management to ensure maximum control in case of emergencies. Pony provides comprehensive technical support and consultancy through its global network of certified sales and service partners, ensuring safety not only in the operation of the machines but also in the working environment in general”.

“There are two levels for deepening the safety topic” says Marco Niccolini, the General Sales and Marketing Director of Renzacci S.p.A. “The first one is related to the compliance with regulations that all manufacturers must strictly comply with when developing their machines. Being present in 124 countries, as Renzacci we have always invested significant resources to ensure that our machinery comply with the most actual and stringent international standards in our sector. As just one example, I would like to mention certifications such as ETL (USA), CSA (Canada), NF (France), and WRAS (UK). Another critical aspect we prioritize is the one related to the use of technology to enhance safety for operators and the overall environmental context, minimizing risks and uncertainties. When speaking about dry-cleaning, and especially bio dry-cleaning with natural solvents, we must recognize that these new washing methods also represent a remarkable step forward in workplace safety, ensuring the health protection of operators. In fact, we are talking about biodegradable, hypoallergenic, and biocompatible washing agents that maximize the protection of both the operator’s health and the surrounding environment.

Moving on to the contribution that digital technology can bring to safety, the Intellectus system applied to the washing machines and the I Brain system applied to the dry-cleaning machines allow for real interactivity between the operator and the machine. This interaction provides access to a wealth of information necessary to prevent incorrect operations that often expose the operator to high risks. The remote management of commands that the operator gives to the machine, without any manual actions, allows for carrying out a safer work.These systems drive and assist the operator during its tasks, simplifying activities and preventing errors to avoid the risk of workplace accidents.The Sentinel system also enables a disinfection action that contributes to safeguarding the health of operators and beyond. In a broader concept of safety, our Plastic Guard system, designed to reduce microplastics, of which we are proud as a company, contributes to safety by addressing environmental concerns. We believe it a real added value in a context where environmental protection is a priority (it is said that we ingest the plastic equivalent of three credit cards a year). This reflects our commitment to safety in its broadest sense”, concludes Marco Niccolini.

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