New Regulation Prohibits Dry Cleaning Facilities in some areas

Georgia: To improve public health and environmental well-being, authorities have enacted a regulation prohibiting the establishment of dry cleaning facilities in residential, medical, and educational buildings, as well as educational institutions. The regulation also mandates specific minimum distances between dry cleaners and surrounding areas.

According to the regulation, large dry cleaning facilities must be situated at least 100 meters away from residential, medical, and educational buildings, while mini dry cleaners require a minimum distance of 50 meters. However, mini dry cleaners are permitted within the zones of public institutions, administrative buildings, and hotels, provided they adhere to special standards.

In addition to these restrictions, the regulation imposes strict safety and health requirements within dry cleaning establishments. Employers are ordered to ensure compliance with workplace safety standards, with oversight provided by the Labor Inspection Service to safeguard workers’ rights and working conditions.

Furthermore, dry cleaning plants are mandated to conduct periodic monitoring of harmful substance levels in the air within the workspace. Maximum permissible concentrations of these substances will be closely regulated by the Department of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Environmental Supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, ensuring adherence to stringent environmental standards.

The new regulation reflects a proactive approach to environmental and occupational health management. The authorities aim to mitigate potential health risks associated with dry cleaning operations while promoting environmental sustainability.

An argument arises that while the regulation is a step in the right direction, more comprehensive measures may be needed to address long-term environmental concerns and mitigate potential health risks associated with dry cleaning chemicals. They advocate for increased investment in eco-friendly dry cleaning technologies and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations to ensure sustained environmental stewardship.

The implementation of this regulation underscores the importance of balancing economic activities with environmental and public health considerations. By promoting responsible industry practices and adherence to stringent standards, authorities aim to create safer, healthier communities for all citizens.