Posted By jackw.
Hi, Can any one help or direct me to further guidance--
I have had the question asked re health issues of having a photocopier in an office. The usual, " I read or saw something on the TV.. or someone was at a meeting and they heard it was bad for your health" I know there are some ozone emissions but assumed these were not at a "significant" level. I have looked at EH 40 but can't find anything in there... It is my general view that there is no real risk possed but I could be wrong!

thanks

Posted By Dazmo
Hi Jack,

Modern photocopiers generally pose no health effects beyond extreme frustration caused by their refusal to do anything you want them to. Factors to think about are:

- Frequency of use
- Frequency of maintenance
- Ventilation
- Location

Apparently if a photocopier is badly maintained it may emit VOC's and ozone. This could become a problem if you share a small room that has poor ventilation with a photocopier that is used constantly.

Generally in an open plan office environment with moderate usage there is nothing to worry about.

Hope this helps.

D

Posted By John-Mark
I agree with the posting about modern copiers not presenting much of a hazard. I worked with photocopiers for about 15 years (until 2003), and have always understood that the ozone emissions from modern copiers is small, because ozone smells, and if you can't smell it, it's not being emitted. Additionally, the toner tends to be enclosed in bottles/cartridges these days so there is less chance of coming into contact with it, although it is often in powdered form these days. Developer oils tend to be silicon based which can cause slip injuries if spilt, because it's very difficult to see on solid floors.

There is a small risk of copiers overheating, especially if paper is left jammed in the fuser rollers - the hot bits of a copier. Space should be left around the machine to allow for ventilation, and packs of paper not stacked against the casing.

Hope this helps.

Posted By Ken Taylor
Photocopiers too close to desks and workstations is also an issue (heat, exhaust emissions, flashing light, etc)

Posted By John-Mark
Something that's not been addressed yet, but applies equally to copiers and laser printers, is noise. This needs to be considered when siting the machine, particularly if it's going to be in constant use.

Posted By Nina
I have just left a copier company after 7 years,very often companies lease a copier rather than buying it, if this is the case contact them, they should be able to provide you with COSHH sheets for the consumables that go in the machine. The engineers that service them should also know the rules about where to put a copier within the office environment so give them a call, sorry but can't help if you've bought one, although I guess that the supplier you bought it from should be able to get the same information as I'm mentioned above.
Hope that helps.