Copying and similar equipment
Common issues
The lamp used in photocopiers produces a fairly intense light. This light may affect vision for a short time, rather like a camera flash does. During normal operation, the thick glass plate between the lamp and the operator screens out any harmful light. However continuous exposure to the bright light may lead to eye discomfort.
Often photocopiers, fax machines and printers are kept in one room. Adequate ventilation will ensure atmospheric contaminants do not build up to levels that may pose a risk to the health of workers.
The extremely low levels of impurities in toners do not warrant concern for long-term health effects. Nevertheless toner dust may enter the atmosphere during toner replacement or disposal. If inhaled, the dust may irritate and cause coughing and sneezing. The toners Safety Data Sheet will provide the health and safety information needed to identify and assess the hazards. The Safety Data Sheet will also provide handling and storage information.
Although some photocopiers produce ozone, the concentration of ozone around copying equipment is insufficient to cause known adverse health effects.
Reducing the risk
To safeguard health and safety when working with copying and similar office equipment consider the following:
- choose machines that recycle toner, use sealed toner cartridges and waste containers, filter exhaust air, and have automatic cut-off when the waste container is full or when the machine is opened
- purchase toner with specifications indicating minimal risks to health and safety
- consider the noise emission and where the machine is to be located
- locate equipment in a well-ventilated area
- ensure adequate space around the machine for ease of operation and access for maintenance
- install equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications
- keep instruction manuals and Safety Data Sheets near the equipment
- provide appropriate training to all users of the equipment
- regularly maintain equipment to the manufacturer's specifications
- have equipment maintained by authorised service personnel
- keep a register of maintenance, repairs and replacements
- avoid looking directly at the light from photocopiers
- keep the document cover closed wherever possible
- exercise appropriate safety precautions when clearing paper misfeeds
- beware of hot components.
Ensure photocopiers are located in well ventilated areas and properly maintained in order to reduce the hazards of emissions, heat, noise and toner dust.
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