Dry cleaners may look like simple storefronts, but they often present serious safety challenges tied to fire risks, health concerns, and environmental hazards.

In this episode, we cover:

• Long-term environmental and safety concerns from current, former, and neighboring dry cleaning operations
• Solvent use and how it ties into fire code classifications and environmental risks
• When dry cleaner sites may warrant a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, and why many trigger a Phase II
• Fire and life safety issues, including extinguishers, egress, maintenance, spill containment, and storage of flammable/combustible materials
• Common ventilation concerns and requirements, plus real-world examples of poor vapor control
• Key ComSOP inspection points connected to dry cleaner risks
• What to document, and where to look, during a commercial property inspection

Learn more about inspecting dry cleaners in these readings: 

• Dry Cleaners: What Inspectors, Buyers, and Property Managers Should Know
• Inspecting Dry Cleaner Properties: Fire and Life Safety Risks
• Inspecting Dry Cleaner Properties: Health and Environmental Risks
• Dry Cleaner Property Inspection Checklist