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Printing industry

This information is intended to help employers in the printing industry comply with the requirements of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), as amended, to control exposure to substances and protect workers' health.

Printing [P]

General

Lithographic

Automated film and plate development (PDF) [28]

This sheet describes good practice for automatic film and litho-plate development. Automatic processors help avoid skin contact. Use extraction for developer fumes. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Ink mixing and cleaning up (PDF) [29]This sheet describes good practice for the mixing of conventional inks (vegetable/mineral oil-based), UV-curable inks, cold-set inks and heat-set inks, and cleaning the mixing equipment. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Printing with conventional inks (PDF) [30]

This sheet provides good practice for litho printing processes using conventional inks with or without isopropanol (IPA) damping. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Manual cleaning of presses (conventional inks) (PDF) [31]

This sheet describes good practice for manual cleaning of presses using conventional inks, and blanket rejuvenation with cleaning chemicals such as solvent naphtha. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Automated cleaning of press (conventional inks) (PDF) [32]

This sheet describes good practice for automatic cleaning of presses using conventional inks, with cleaning chemicals such as solvent naphtha. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Printing with UV-curable inks and coatings (PDF) [33]

This sheet describes good practice for printing with UV-curable inks where the ink-curing lamps generate ozone. Use extraction for any ozone produced. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Manual cleaning of presses (UV-curable inks and coatings) (PDF) [34]

This sheet describes good practice for manual cleaning of offset presses using UV-curable inks, with cleaning chemicals such as solvent naphtha, high boiling point glycol ethers and water-based products. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Automated cleaning of presses (UV-curable inks and coatings) (PDF) [35]

This sheet describes good practice for automatic cleaning of presses using UV-curable inks, with cleaning chemicals such as solvent naphtha, high boiling point glycol ethers and water-based products. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Printing with cold-set inks (PDF) [36]

This sheet describes good practice for litho printing using cold-set inks with or without isopropanol (IPA) damping. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Manual cleaning of presses (cold-set inks) (PDF) [37]

Description It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Automated cleaning of presses (cold-set inks) (PDF) [38]

Description It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Printing with heat-set inks (PDF) [39]

This sheet describes good practice for heat-set printing. Use extraction for solvent vapour. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Manual cleaning of presses (heat-set inks) (PDF) [40]

This sheet describes good practice for manual cleaning of presses using heat-set inks, and blanket rejuvenation with cleaning chemicals such as solvent naphtha. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Automated cleaning of presses (heat-set inks) (PDF) [41]

This sheet describes good practice for automatic cleaning of presses using heat-set inks, with cleaning chemicals such as solvent naphtha. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Screen

Stencil generation (PDF) [43]

This sheet describes good practice for making screen printing stencils. Sheet P16 covers the task of attaching the screen to its frame. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Ink mixing and colour matching (PDF) [44]

This sheet provides good practice for ink mixing, thinning, retarding and colour matching. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Printing with lower-volatility inks and rack drying (PDF) [45]

This sheet provides good practice for using lower-volatility inks with a minimum boiling point above 150°C. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Printing with higher-volatility inks and extracted rack drying (PDF) [46]

This sheet describes good practice for using higher-volatility inks with a minimum boiling point below 150°C, and for all longer print runs. Use extraction on the rack drier. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

High-volume printing with oven drying (PDF) [47]

This sheet describes good practice for oven or tunnel drying of long print runs or large prints. Use extraction for solvent vapour. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Printing with UV-curable inks (PDF) [48]

This sheet provides good practice for using UV-curable inks and coatings. Use extraction for any ozone produced. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Printing with isocyanate-based inks (PDF) [49]

This sheet describes good practice for using isocyanate-based inks. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Manual screen reclamation (PDF) [50]

This sheet provides good practice for ink removal and screen reclamation in an extracted wash-out booth. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Automated screen reclamation (PDF) [51]

This sheet provides good practice for automated screen cleaning in an enclosed extracted washer. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Gravure

Printing on packaging Publication (PDF) [53]

This sheet describes good practice for gravure printing on packaging. Use extraction for solvent vapour. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

On-press cleaning (PDF) [54]

This sheet describes good practice for on-press cleaning of gravure presses. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Manual off-press cleaning (PDF) [55]

This sheet describes good practice for off-press cleaning of cylinders, rollers, side panels, splash guards and other removable press components, in an extracted booth. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Automated off-press cleaning (PDF) [56]

This sheet describes good practice for off-press cleaning of cylinders, rollers, side panels, splash guards and other removable press components, in an enclosed spray washer. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Flexographic

Mixing solvent-borne inks

This sheet describes good practice for mixing and diluting solvent-borne inks in smaller-scale printing operations in an extracted booth. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Printing with solvent-borne inks (PDF) [58]

Description It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Mixing UV-curable inks (PDF) [59]

This sheet describes good practice for mixing UV-curable inks used in smaller-scale printing operations. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Printing with UV-curable inks Publication (PDF) [60]

This sheet describes good practice for printing using UV-curable inks. Use extraction for any ozone produced. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Digital

Wide-format printing with UV-curable inks (PDF) [62]

This sheet describes good practice for digital (ink-jet) printing on machines up to 3.2 metres wide,using UV-curable inks. Use extraction for any ozone produced. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Grande-format printing (PDF) [63]

This sheet describes good practice for digital (ink-jet) printing on machines more than 3.2 metres wide, using solvent-borne inks. Use extraction for solvent vapour. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Laminating

Using isocyanate-based adhesives (PDF) [65]

This sheet describes good practice for laminating with isocyanate-based products. Use extraction for isocyanate and solvent vapours. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Drying and curing isocyanate-based adhesives (PDF) [66]

This sheet describes good practice for laminating with isocyanate-based products. Use extraction for isocyanate and solvent vapours. It covers the points you need to follow to reduce exposure. It is important to follow all the points, or use equally effective measures.

Link URLs in this page

  1. COSHH Essentialshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/index.htm
  2. Overview - Direct advice sheetshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/index.htm
  3. Agriculture (Farming)https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/agriculture.htm
  4. Flour (Bakers and millers)https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/baking.htm
  5. Metalworking fluidshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/metalworking-fluids.htm
  6. Microelectronicshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/microelectronics.htm
  7. Motor Vehicle Repairhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/mvr.htm
  8. Offshorehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/offshore.htm
  9. Printinghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/printing.htm
  10. RPEhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/respiratory-protective-equipment.htm
  11. Rubberhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/rubber.htm
  12. Service & Retailhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/service-retail.htm
  13. Overview - Silicahttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/silica.htm
  14. Brick and tilehttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/brick-tile-silica.htm
  15. Ceramicshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/ceramics-silica.htm
  16. Constructionhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/construction-silica.htm
  17. Foundryhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/foundry.htm
  18. Manufacturinghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/manufacturing-silica.htm
  19. Quarrieshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/quarries-silica.htm
  20. Stoneworkershttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/stonemasons.htm
  21. Skin or eye contacthttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/skin-eye-contact.htm
  22. Weldinghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/welding.htm
  23. Woodworkinghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/woodworking.htm
  24. Dichloromethane (DCM)https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/direct-advice/dichloromethane.htm
  25. Frequently asked questionshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/essentials/faq.htm
  26. Advice for managershttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p0.pdf
  27. Manual film and plate developmenthttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p1.pdf
  28. Automated film and plate developmenthttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p2.pdf
  29. Ink mixing and cleaning uphttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p3.pdf
  30. Printing with conventional inkshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p4.pdf
  31. Manual cleaning of presses (conventional inks)https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p5.pdf
  32. Automated cleaning of press (conventional inks)https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p6.pdf
  33. Printing with UV-curable inks and coatingshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p7.pdf
  34. Manual cleaning of presses (UV-curable inks and coatings)https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p8.pdf
  35. Automated cleaning of presses (UV-curable inks and coatings)https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p9.pdf
  36. Printing with cold-set inks https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p10.pdf
  37. Manual cleaning of presses (cold-set inks)https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p11.pdf
  38. Automated cleaning of presses (cold-set inks)https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p12.pdf
  39. Printing with heat-set inkshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p13.pdf
  40. Manual cleaning of presses (heat-set inks)https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p14.pdf
  41. Automated cleaning of presses (heat-set inks)https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p15.pdf
  42. Using isocyanate-based adhesives in frame-makinghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p16.pdf
  43. Stencil generationhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p17.pdf
  44. Ink mixing and colour matchinghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p18.pdf
  45. Printing with lower-volatility inks and rack dryinghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p19.pdf
  46. Printing with higher-volatility inks and extracted rack dryinghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p20.pdf
  47. High-volume printing with oven dryinghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p21.pdf
  48. Printing with UV-curable inkshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p22.pdf
  49. Printing with isocyanate-based inkshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p23.pdf
  50. Manual screen reclamationhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p24.pdf
  51. Automated screen reclamationhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p25.pdf
  52. Mixing solvent-based inkshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p26.pdf
  53. Printing on packaging Publicationhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p27.pdf
  54. On-press cleaninghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p28.pdf
  55. Manual off-press cleaninghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p29.pdf
  56. Automated off-press cleaninghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p30.pdf
  57. Making and washing photopolymer plates https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p31.pdf
  58. Printing with solvent-borne inkshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p33.pdf
  59. Mixing UV-curable inkshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p34.pdf
  60. Printing with UV-curable inks Publicationhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p35.pdf
  61. Wide-format printing with solvent-borne inkshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p39.pdf
  62. Wide-format printing with UV-curable inkshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p40.pdf
  63. Grande-format printinghttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p41.pdf
  64. Mixing and transferring isocyanate-based adhesiveshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p42.pdf
  65. Using isocyanate-based adhesiveshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p43.pdf
  66. Drying and curing isocyanate-based adhesiveshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/p44.pdf
  67. Working with substances hazardous to health: A brief guide to COSHHhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg136.htm
  68. Case studieshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/casestudies/index.htm
  69. Example risk assessmentshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/riskassess/index.htm
  70. Publicationshttps://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/publications.htm
  71. Nanotechnologyhttps://www.hse.gov.uk/nanotechnology/index.htm
  72. Risk assessmenthttps://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/index.htm

Glossary of abbreviations/acronyms on this page

RPE
Respiratory Protective Equipment

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2024-05-03