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Office Photocopier Machine & laser printer risks

Office Photocopier Machines and laser printers are potentially hazardous to health if operated in a manner that ignores: 1. Location – to allow adequate ventilation and to minimize noise. 2. Maintenance – poor maintenance can increase the emission of toxic chemicals. 3. Usage – large print ‘runs’ will aggravate the above factors.

A major Danish study on copier pollution found that ozone and other chemicals could exceed the ‘occupational exposure limit’ (OEL) when the room where an Office Photocopier Machine is situated is: 1.    Too small 2.    Ventilation conditions are poor 3.    Photocopier Usage is too high

Chemicals

Ozone gas:

Ozone is produced during the high voltage electrical discharge in Office Photocopier Machines and laser printers. Ozone is a photocopier health risk factor.  It is highly toxic and possesses a sweet smelling odor and if you can detect its presence then the level is too high. Though ozone gas can decompose quite rapidly in the atmosphere, this process can be repressed by high humidity, temperature and office furnishings.

Selenium & cadmium sulphide chemicals:

Some office photocopier machines and laser printers use a drum impregnated with these chemicals. This is another health risk associated with office photocopiers and laser printers. The gases they emit, especially when heated, can cause throat irritation and sensitization to exposed workers. This is mostly a health risk to office photocopier maintenance staff when cleaning or grinding the surface of the photocopier drum.

Nitrogen oxide Gas:

NOS gas may be produced when there is a spark in the electrostatic Office Photocopier Machines and laser printers – its effects on people are similar to those produced by carbon monoxide. Apart from being a serious health risk, it also requires regular photocopier maintenance and inspections.

Carbon monoxide gas:

CO gas is produced when photocopier or laser printer toner (containing Carbon Black) is heated in an inadequate air supply. In an insufficiently ventilated environment this can induce headaches, drowsiness, dizziness and increased pulse rate and carbon monoxide gas can even cross the placenta and affect the unborn child in case of expecting workers.

Photocopier Toners:

Toners used in office photocopiers and laser printers are usually a combination of synthetic resin and Carbon Black mostly with other supplements. Carbon Black is categorized as ‘nuisance dust’, but will contain impurities that are carcinogenic. Photocopier toners should be handled with caution, protective gloves should be used, dust release must be minimal and the instructions should be carefully observed as part of the maintenance procedure. Direct Photocopier exposure to skin can cause itching and other health risks can include severe headaches and eye irritation. Maintenance staff is at risk from repeated contact which can result in skin and eye sensitization.

Other hazards

Ultra violet light:

The Office Photocopier Machine lid should be kept fully closed when the machine is being operated. Ultra violet rays can cause eye irritation and burns.

Noise levels:

Office photocopiers and laser printers’ noise levels can reach up to 65dB (A). Office Photocopiers with noisy collators should be positioned as far from staff as possible.

Fire potential:

Excessive dust in the electrical equipment of a photocopier machine or a laser printer will cause sparking.  Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers’ availability near the machines is essential.

Jams:

Even though the majority of photocopier machines automatically cut out when opened, they should be switched off before attempting to extract jammed paper. Avoid contact with surfaces that can be very hot and do not forget to wash hands immediately after paper removal.

Laser Printers

Unlike Office Photocopier Machines they are usually placed on desktops beside workers. However, these laser printers pose health risks and produce ozone like conventional copiers. There must be regular inspections of laser printer filters which may need replacing as often as once a month. However, tests on the effectiveness of printer filters under factory conditions do not reflect the deterioration in performance and health risks under heavy use in the office.

SAFETY REP OFFICE PHOTOCOPIER MACHINE CHECKLIST

1.    Investigation:

Ask for any health risks by questioning your colleagues. Forward a formal request to management for measuring levels of chemicals by conducting appropriate tests.

2.     Management:

Check the photocopier service/maintenance history records – is the photocopier machine serviced and the filters changed regularly? If the photocopier machine is old and prone to breakdowns, request a new one!

3.    Positioning & Airing:

The area where the photocopier machine or the laser printer is sited should have a complete change of air every hour; there should be an unobstructed air vent next to the machine to ensure proper ventilation. Ideally, no-one should work in the same room as an office photocopier and laser printer– where this is not possible no-one should be within 3 cubic meters of the machine. Photocopier machines should not be located in rooms with less than 25 cubic meters of space and maintenance operations should be performed regularly.

4.    New laser printers & Office Photocopier Machines:

Request in advance, that you receive details of filter changing and servicing. Inform office management that the new equipment is only acceptable if it has clear photocopier maintenance guidelines and easy to change photocopier filter systems.

5.    Equipment renewal:

When changing toner, insist that the office photocopiers’ and laser printers’ instructions are carefully adhered to, that gloves are worn and that hands and face are washed immediately after using the office photocopiers and laser printers.

Source: http://www.tssa.org.uk/work/hs29.pdf