Download IP017 - Institute of Safety Management

PAMPHLET
Reference No: IP017
Date : January 2015
Originator: Leighton Bennett
PHOTOCOPIER & LASER PRINTER HAZARDS
Photocopiers & laser printers are safe when used occasionally and serviced regularly, but if poorly
sited, poorly maintained or used for long runs, there are risks to health. Proper ventilation and
maintenance are essential in eliminating hazards.
The chemicals:
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Ozone is a gas produced during the high voltage electrical discharge in photocopiers & laser
printers. If it is smelt it is sweet smelling & highly toxic [0.1ppm or 0.2mg/m3 OEL-RL, occupational
exposure limit – recommended limit in the Hazardous Chemical Substances Regs]), but it is
neutralised in the air quite quickly.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are also emitted during photocopying. These can contain
traces of decane and benzene (carcinongenic), trichloroethane, toluene & xylene can cause eye,
throat & skin irritation, fatigue and drowsiness.
Selenium & Cadmium Sulphide impregnated copier drums, whose emit a gas especially when
hot which can cause throat irritation, while there is more risk to maintenance staff when cleaning &
grinding the surface of a drum.
Nitrogen Oxide (NO) can be produced when there is a spark in electrostatic photocopiers, giving
symptoms similar to those of carbon monoxide.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is produced when toner (containing carbon black) is heated in an
inadequate air supply at a poorly ventilated copier area where headaches, drowsiness, fainting and
increased heart rate can be experienced.
Toners are generally a mixture of a plastic resin, carbon black & often with other additives. Carbon
black is a mildly toxic dust nuisance, but some of its impurities are known carcinogens. Toners
should be handled with care, wear protective gloves and minimise dust releases. By touching your
tongue with wetted fingers after touching copied papers can lead to small growths on the tongue.
Irritated eyes, itchy skin and a headache are other health effects, with maintenance workers being
at risk from repeated exposures.
Airborne toner dust from laser printers can be inhaled with a small Australian study recorded
some 40% of laser printers emitting dangerous levels of toner dust into the air.
Other hazards:
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Ultra violet light exposure from open photocopier lids causing eye irritation & burns.
Noise can reach up to 65 dB(A) for ordinary copiers, so consider separating copiers or locating
them as far from workers as possible.
Fire from excessive dust in electrical equipment will cause sparking. (Use CO2 extinguishers).
Jams, most machines cut out when opened, but they should be switched off before removing
jammed paper.
Avoid hot surfaces and wash your hands immediately afterwards.
Action points:
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Laser printers : do regular checks on the filters and filter efficiency
Site copiers & printers away from people in separate, well ventilated rooms, if possible
Consider Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) from copier & print rooms, to ensure adequate gasses
removal from such small rooms. Good ventilation is critical.
Ensure copiers & laser printers are regularly maintained, including filters replaced
When maintaining machine, eg. toner replacement and jam clearing follow the wear gloves and
there after immediate hand (& face) washing guidelines
Check or report any health effects on people working near or with this equipment
(Acknowledgements: www.lhc.org.uk)
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