Photocopiers

10. (1990)

Photocopiers of current technology are "dry printing" copiers that use dry toners. They operate by generating an image of the original on a charged photoreceptor. Toner is applied to the image and held by electrostatic attraction before being transferred to the copy paper and permanently fixed by heat and pressure.

Inquiries have been received regarding the possible adverse health effects resulting from the use of photocopying machines. Potential hazards that could be associated with the use of photocopiers are:

• ozone
• UV radiation & intense light
• noise & heat
• toner dust

None of these potential hazards have been found to be significant with the current technology dry photocopiers:

• OZONE levels greater than the occupational air exposure standard of 0.1 ppm (peak) [1] are rarely attained in the air near photocopiers [2]. Ozone has an odour described as pungent of "thunderstorm-ish" and an odour threshold ranging between 0.01-0.04 ppm [3]. It is a reactive, irritant and unstable gas with a half-life of ( 6 min in the office environment [2]. In evaluations of ozone levels from photocopiers on campus, the OHS Unit found ozone levels at the paper outlet ranging from 0.01-0.05 ppm. Note that control of ozone emissions is assisted by regular servicing of the photocopier (e.g. charging electrodes, activated carbon filters, etc.)
• UV RADIATION that may be generated in the photocopy process is absorbed by the glass platen [4] on which the original is placed, so the operator will not be exposed to UV radiation during normal photocopy operations. INTENSE LIGHT used in photocopying may cause eye irritation and after-imaging, if viewed directly [2]. The photocopier cover should routinely be closed before copying or, if not practicable for an unusual job, the operator should avert their eyes from the light source.
• NOISE & HEAT. Both high speed copiers and copiers used with collating may have the potential to be noisy and to generate detectable heat. Noise and heat levels would be of an annoyance quality only and not be of occupational health significance. In evaluations of noise emissions from photocopiers on campus, the OHS Unit found that maximum noise levels at the surface of the photocopiers ranged from 63-68 dBA.
• TONER DUST does not have the potential to be an occupational health problem with reasonably modern machines because toner replacement is achieved by a containerized system. Even for toner replacement achieved by a non-containerized system, exposure to toners containing 10% carbon black has been found to be well below the exposure standard of 10 mg/m3 (time weighted average) [2]. Toners normally comprise ( 10% carbon black dispersed in a heat sensitive organic resin of non-respirable particle size in the range ( 10-15(m. Carbon blacks currently used in photocopy toners have been found to be free of trace impurities of mutagenic activity [2].

The following work practices are recommended, whenever possible, for use with photocopiers:

• The photocopier should be placed in a dedicated room or a large area, both with adequate ventilation. A dilution ventilation rate of 6 room air changes per hour is recommended [2].
• If photocopiers are placed in peopled areas, careful consideration should be given to their location in relation to employee work areas to prevent unnecessary stress from the noise, light and heat of the machines.
• Photocopying should be routinely done with the cover down.
• If manual toner transfer is necessary, an optimum system of transfer should be developed and used to minimize the chance of spillage or creating airborne toner.

References

1. Worksafe Australia
   Draft Exposure Standards for Atmospheric Contaminants in the Occupational Environment
   Worksafe Australia, Sydney, August 1988
2. NSW Department of Industrial Relations and Employment
   Bulletin 052686/1: Photocopiers and Workplace Health & Safety
   Division of Occupational Health, Sydney, June 1988
3. American Industrial Hygiene Association
   Odour Thresholds for Chemicals with Established Occupational Health standards
   AIHA, Akron OH, 1989
4. The Australian National University
   OHS Unit Bulletin 9: UV Exposure to Outdoor Workers from the Sun
   OHS Information Manual, Section 4.4.9, 1990

For further information contact:
OHS Officer, e-mail: OHS.Officer@anu.edu.au