7 Photocopier and

sept 200 laser hazards The LondonCentre Hazards Factsheet

Photocopiers and laser printers fatigue, drowsiness, throat and eye minimised. Contact with the tongue, are safe when used occasionally irritation), xylene (can cause menstrual e.g. by touching copied with a disorder and kidney failure) and benzene wetted finger can lead to small growths and serviced regularly. But if (carcinogenic and teratogenic). on the tongue. Other health effects they are badly sited, poorly may be irritated eyes, headache and maintained and used frequently and cadmium sulphide itching skin. Maintenance workers are or for long runs, there are risks Some copiers use a drum impregnated at risk from repeated exposure which to health, ranging from irritated with selenium or cadmium sulphide. can lead to skin and eye sensitisation. The gas emitted from these materials eyes, nose and throat to especially when hot can cause throat Airborne toner dust dermatitis, headaches, premature irritation and sensitisation (i.e. adverse A recent study by the Queensland ageing and reproductive reaction to very tiny quantities of University of Technology in Australia has and cancer hazards. Proper chemical) to exposed workers. Short raised concerns about very small particles ventilation and maintenance are term exposure to high levels of selenium of toner from a number of laser printers by ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, that can become airborne and penetrate essential in eliminating hazards. skin rashes and rhinitis. The UK WEL deep into the lung. It showed that almost for selenium compounds is 0.1 mg/m3 a third studied emit potentially dangerous The chemicals (over an 8 hr reference period). This is levels of toner into the air although they more a risk to maintenance staff when found 60% emitted no particles at all. cleaning or grinding the surface of the While the research is limited in its scope Ozone is a gas produced during the drum. Cadmium compounds have a it may prove useful when considering high voltage electrical discharge in WEL of 0.025 mg/m3 (over an 8 hr purchasing new equipment or reviewing photocopiers and laser printers. It is reference period). the performance of old laser printers (see sweet smelling and highly toxic with a reference below). UK Workplace Exposure Limit (WEL) of Nitrogen oxide 0.2 ppm (15 minute reference period). If May be produced when there is a spark Other hazards you can smell ozone the levels are too in electrostatic photocopiers. Symptoms high. Ozone is neutralised in the air quite are similar to those produced by carbon light quickly though this can be slowed by monoxide. Photocopier lids should be kept closed high humidity, temperature and some when the is in use. Ultraviolet effects of office furnishings. Health Carbon monoxide light can cause eye irritation and burns. effects are eye, nose, throat and lung Is produced when toner (containing irritation, dermatitis, headaches and carbon black) is heated in an inadequate Noise nausea, premature ageing and potential air supply. Some copiers can reach Can reach up to 65dB(A) for ordinary reproductive dangers. Pruritus, a kind of half the WEL in well ventilated rooms. copiers. Care should be taken in itching occurs on the face, neck and In poorly ventilated conditions the separating copiers with noisy collators areas of skin exposed to ozone. There are effects include headaches, drowsiness, or siting them as far from workers also concerns about long term, low level faintness and increased pulse rate. as possible. exposure which can cause sensitisation Carbon monoxide can cross the and possibly other health problems. placenta and affect the unborn child. Fire When mixed with nitrogen oxide in The WEL is 30 ppm (8 hour ref period). Excessive dust in electrical equipment certain proportions it can have an effect will cause sparking. Provision of carbon on the central nervous system. Toners dioxide extinguishers near is Toners are generally a mixture of plastic essential. Volatile organic compounds resin and carbon black often with other (VOCs) additives. Carbon black is classified as a Jams VOCs are also emitted during nuisance dust (ie is only mildly toxic in Even though most machines cut out photocopying. These can contain itself) but will contain impurities known when opened, they should be switched traces of decane (carcinogenic), to be carcinogens. Toners should be off before removing jammed . 1,1,1-trichloroethane (can cause skin handled with care, protective gloves Avoid hot surfaces and wash hands irritation), iso-octane, toluene (causes should be worn, and dust release immediately afterwards. London Hazards Centre Factsheet 94 | Photocopier and laser printer hazards | September 2007

Laser printers The Control of Substances Hazardous only reduce chemical contamination to Health Regulations 1999 require for as short a period as a month Laser printers are often placed on desk employers to carry out an assessment if use is heavy. If the machine is tops beside workers and they produce of all chemicals on their premises – old and faulty, get it replaced. ozone like conventional photocopiers. ensure that safety data sheets for all 4. When maintaining the machine, Thus there must be regular checks on copier chemicals are obtained and all adding toner etc follow guidelines filters which may need to be replaced recommended precautions are taken. such as wearing gloves. Hands and as often as once a month. Tests on face must be washed immediately the efficiency of filters under factory afterwards. conditions on new machines do not Action points 5. Vet new laser printers and take into account deterioration under 1. Preferably site photocopiers and photocopiers in advance – demand heavy use in the workplace. laser printers in separate, well specific information on filter ventilated rooms. If this is not changing and servicing. Only accept possible, then site them away from LEV machines with clear maintenance workers where good ventilation LHC is unaware of any Local Exhaust guidelines, health and safety is ensured. Do not site busy laser Ventilation (LEV) systems for copiers or instructions and easy change filter printers on or next to workers desks. printers currently on the market. LEV systems. If they cannot provide this 2. Ventilation is crucial! Ensure that would be the best option if available as information do not buy or accept the area in which the machine is it would take the offending gasses from the product. Demand the data from sited has a complete change of where they were generated and pump management and check the system air every hour, that the exhaust them into the general atmosphere is correctly installed. vent is kept free of obstruction, outside the workplace. It is because of 6. Check health effects on people and that no-one is situated next this lack of availability we recommend working with or near this equipment to the exhaust vent of the machine. dilution ventilation. by carrying out a survey and If someone is employed specifically investigate any complaints further, to operate copiers and printers it taking necessary preventative The law is essential to ensure the room is action. Symptoms should be The Health and Safety at Work Act well ventilated. Machines should reported in the accident book and imposes a general duty on every not be sited in clusters or in very medical tests taken when serious employer to ensure the health, safety small rooms. symptoms occur. and welfare of all employees at work. 3. Make sure copiers are regularly This covers the maintenance of plant, serviced and the filter replaced on the use, storage and handling of a regular cycle. Servicing alone will substances and the provision of information, instruction and training. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations state that an Reference adequate supply of fresh air must be circulated in all workrooms. Rooms with Printer particle emissions add up http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/journals/ no direct access to fresh air must be esthag-w/2007/aug/science/nl_printers.html provided with mechanical ventilation.

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