Posted By Trevor Anstey
Hi
Was asked to perform such a task not too long ago after some complaints in the office, took this off the HSE website but appears to be no longer available
Photocopier Hazards
HAZARDS
Ultra violet light
The high powered lights used to expose the PC drum produce light in the visible wave band and some ultra violet light (UV), part of which is absorbed by the glass screen. Eye irritation from glare and UV light is prevented by the provision and use of a hinged lid ov the glass top of the copier. Damaged lids or covers and the copying of thick books will allow some leakage of light which should be avoided. Operators should not look directly at the light.
Ozone
Both the UV light and the corona scan produce ozone by ionising the air. In the latter case it is unavoidable but is reduced in a properly adjusted machine; e.g. correct high voltage adjustment (which is variable to alter the 'darkness' of the copy) and regular cleaning of dust from the corona shields etc. Ventilation of the copier, designed to prevent heat build up, also dissipates the ozone but this can be retained in an unventilated or small room. The Occupational Exposure Standard (OES) for ozone is 0.2 ppm (8hr) and 0.4 ppm (15 mins). Under foreseeable conditions of use, it is unlikely that ozone concentrations would approach either the long or short term standard. Tests have found 0.12 ppm at the discharge from a cooling fan after 1 100 copies have been produced but, more typically, 0.02 ppm was measured in a number of locations at which a very slight smell of ozone was perceptible. 0.02 ppm is generally regarded as the world wide background concentration level of ozone. In London in summer it averages between 0.04 and 0.06 ppm. On smoggy days it may reach 0. 2 ppm for some hours.
Toner
Toners are fine powders which have a faint plastic odour. Depending on the the size of the copier, they are typically composed of iron oxide or manetite, organic charging agent, acrylic or polyester resin, carbon black and/or inorganic pigments, amorphous silica, and salicyclic acid chromium (III) chelate. There are 8-hour TWA OESs for dust of 10 mg/m3 (total inhalable) and 5 mg/m3 (respirable), for iron oxide of 10 mg/m3 (total inhalable) and 5 mg/m3 (respirable), and for amorphous silica of 6 mg/m3 (total) and 3 mg/m3 (respirable).
Exposure to total inhalable dust during the use of photocopiers has been measured in the range 0.05-0.23 mg/m3, well below the OES for total inhalable dust. The toner component was found to be less than 20% of the total inhalable dust, and therefore exposure to the individual components was well below the respecive OESs.
During normal use, toner dusts are not considered to present a significant hazard to health.
Heat
Operators, particularly those working photocopiers for long periods, often complain of discomfort, e.g.. sore eyes and sore throats. The hot, dry air produced by these machines is likely to be responsible and improved ventilation, with or without humidification, may alleviate the problem.
Precautions
In machines using a selenium coated drum, it is customary to replace the drum every few months, or after damage to its surface. Service contracts etc. usually ensure that they are handled by a trained engineer and returned for disposal/reclamation. It is not thought that special protective clothing is necessary, but removal of excessive toner dust, etc., should be done with care.
Severity of the hazards referred to in the above paragraphs is dependent on the amount of use and the siting of the photocopier. Careful consideration should be given to the sitting of machines which are in constant use to ensure a good standard of ventilation. A means of forced ventilation may be necessary in some circumstances.
Photocopiers are now able to use coloured toners and certain litho printing plates (for short runs) can also be produced by photocopying.
Source
http://www.hse.gov.uk/lau/lacs/90