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OPERATION OF THE LAUNDRY
PRESS
Presses are air operated and controlled by
push buttons mounted flush with the front of the
press table. The air buttons located on the front
of the table are used for lowering, locking, and
releasing the head. The two outside red buttons
lower and lock the head. Both hands must be used
to press both buttons at the same time. The release
buttons are the two inside green buttons. The head
can be released by depressing either the right or
left inside release button.
Before you operate the press, examine the
cover and padding before heating it. Then check
the head pressure by inserting a bedding sheet
leaving a portion exposed and trying to pull it out
after the press is closed. The bedding sheet will
resist all efforts to remove it and remain in place
in all areas.
If the padding is bad, do not use the press until
it is repadded. If the cover is unsatisfactory,
replace it with a new one.
When you heat the laundry press, do it grad-
ually. Turn the steam valve partially open for 20
minutes and then open it completely. The press
is then ready for use.
The time required to press and dry a garment
satisfactorily is dependent upon the following:
1. Type of material
2. Moisture in the material
3. Steam pressure (less than 100 psi will
require longer time)
4. Effectiveness of the steam trap in carrying
away the condensed steam to allow unrestricted
flow of live steam into the head chamber
5. Head pressure
An article with a rough, dry appearance
usually requires more than normal pressing time.
Be certain, of course, that the article is damp
enough when you start to press it. If the article
lacks sufficient moisture for good pressing, spray
it with the spray gun. For normal pressing, keep
the head down for about 15 seconds. Experience
in pressing enables you to tell when to add
dampness to a garment before you press it, and
how long it will take to press that particular type
of material.
SAFETY FEATURES
The laundry press head will not close unless
you use both hands to push the two red buttons.
This prevents getting your hand caught under the
press head. Opening the press head requires
pushing only one of the green buttons. This is
done to allow easy release in an emergency. Also,
press heads will not close and lock if an object
too thick is between the press head and pad. This
safety feature can be tested by taking a bed sheet,
rolling it up in a tubular fashion, placing it under
the press head, and then trying to close the press
head. If the press head is adjusted properly, the
head of the press will not lock shut.
Many incidents have occurred where laundry
personnel have caught their hands between the
press head and the pad. If you follow a few simple
safety precautions, this should never happen.
Never operate the press if any control
buttons are sticking.
Never plug one of the buttons with any
device to increase speed.
Do not allow anyone to stand near
the press while operating it.
Only one operator should be working at
a press station at a time.
Know the location of the main steam valve
to the laundry in case of an emergency
such as a broken steam line or steam leak.
MAINTENANCE OF PRESSES
The laundry supervisor and operators should
not only perform minor maintenance on presses,
but also should see that repairs to presses are re-
corded properly in the equipment maintenance log.
The steam pressure to the presses should be
100 pounds per square inch. Some of the presses
have pressure gauges. The air pressure on air-
operated presses should be 75 to 95 pounds per
square inch. In addition, engineering personnel
should give the presses a hydrostatic test once a
year. This test should be for 150 pounds per
square inch for 1 minute.
Laundry personnel should not get into the
mechanics of the laundry press; however, they
should perform the following operator
maintenance:
1. Thoroughly clean presses (daily).
2. Clean and wax press heads (as required).
3. Change pads and covers (as required).
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