by Samantha Tkachuk


Conference Wrap-Up


OFA


The Ontario Fabricare Association held its annual confer- ence on October 14 in Toronto. Over 90 people attend- ed the sold-out event. Here is a summary:


ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING The AGM was led by president Rob McConnell. The OFA includes 110 members across Canada and the United States. Members in attendance voted in the new board of directors. (See Associations Listings for board members.)


NEW TECHNOLOGY Jon Meijer (Drycleaning & Laundry Institute) introduced attendees to the technology enhancements DLI has been making accessible to their members. New apps include the Garment Analysis app that removes the need to mail garments to DLI. Operators take a photo of the garment using the app and DLI provides a report in a few days. The Encyclopedia app uses a Google-type search engine to find information on anything industry related. The Stain Solutions app gives information on removal of difficult stains. These apps are free for OFA members to use, including the video library, which can be downloaded for free.


A new service will update members’ social media accounts once a month, posting interesting articles and content. DLI’s new enhanced website also includes a Live Chat feature that has become very popular with mem- bers, operating from 7 am–6pm (EST). In 2018, DLI will begin offering online self-study courses.


BPVOE SAFETY PROGRAM


The Technical Standards & Safety Authority (TSSA) regu- lates all pressure-retaining components manufactured or used in Ontario that ensure the safety of boilers, pressure vessels and piping systems. Mike Adams (TSSA) was on hand to review the Boilers and Pressure Vessels Operating Engineers safety program.


There are over 42 classifi- cations for boilers, with some requiring an operating engineer on-site during operation. If any of these are not properly main- tained it can lead to catastroph- ic results. All dry cleaners who have boilers installed are legally required to have a current cer- tificate of inspection to operate a boiler, attained from the boil- er insurer after periodic inspec- tions. Any repairs of boilers or power plant piping (not general maintenance) must be inspect- ed by TSSA before repairs are completed by a qualified mechanic, then inspected again by TSSA to ensure repairs are in compliance. A certificate of authorization to conduct the repair is provided at the first inspection.


TSSA has been conducting an ongoing regulatory review since 2013, and is currently making regulatory changes and working to streamline its data- base with insurance companies to avoid any duplication with inspections. At present, TSSA only has the ability to shut down a plant or to prosecute should there be an infraction. They would like to have some- thing in the middle, like the ability to fine. For reference, the current BPV inspection fee schedule is posted on the TSSA website www.tssa.org.


SOLVENTS KREUSSLER K4 Richard Fitzpatrick spoke about Kreussler’s SolvonK4, part of SystemK4, introduced in 2010. It is a halogen-free, low-odour solvent with clean- ing results said to be compar- able to perc. In Europe, it is not considered a hazardous material or a hazardous sub- stance. Fitzpatrick said it is safe for all fabrics including leather/ suede and fur. It must be used


in a Class III-A machine that has been optimized for K4. The total cycle time using this sys- tem is 68 minutes.


SEITZ – INTENSE®


SOLVENT


First introduced at Clean Show 2015, Intense is now in 250 plants across North Amer- ica. Trevor Holmes described Intense as a hydrocarbon- based solvent with added ingredients to boost the hydro- carbon. It is halogen-free, light- er than water, has a flashpoint of 64°C, a 73 Kb value and almost odour-free. Because of its capacity to take in moisture, it is said to have high cleaning power and is easier to clean water-soluble fabrics. Holmes stated the solvent is consid- ered to be on par with perc in regard to stain removal and has better cleaning results com- pared to hydrocarbon. Holmes also mentioned fewer regula- tory requirements, simpler stor- age and handling, and greater solvent mileage. It will work in any Class III-A machine.


GREENEARTH Tim Maxwell discussed GreenEarth’s cleaning systems and silicone solvent. When silicone is released into the environment, it breaks down


into sand, water and CO2. Environment Canada’s exten- sive review of the solvent in 2012 determined it was not harmful to the environment and not a volatile organic com- pound (VOC).


Mall landlords typically don’t like dry cleaners because of the environmental risk. Many have language in lease agreements to exclude perc on premises. GreenEarth has successful- ly had their name included in agreements as an accepted sol- vent. The company has also worked with companies/brands


Jon Meijer


Mike Adams


Richard Fitzpatrick


Trevor Holmes


Tim Maxwell


18 FABRICARE CANADA January/February 2018


SPEAKERS


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