Printing Plants
Printing plants run huge presses at high speed, handle heavy rolls of paper and use inks and solvents that are flammable and toxic. Operators work close to moving rollers and cutters, and many injuries happen while cleaning or clearing jams.
- Press Operators
- Bindery
- Warehouse
Hazards
- Nip points and rollers: presses, folders and coaters can pull hands and arms in. See Machine Guarding.
- Cutters and trimmers: guillotine cutters can cause amputations. See Guillotine Shears.
- Caught-in during cleaning and clearing jams: the most common injury scenario. See Clearing Jams.
- Solvents and inks: vapors cause dizziness and skin and lung irritation; fire risk. See Solvents.
- Heavy paper rolls and pallets: crushing and lifting injuries; forklift traffic. See Forklifts.
- Noise and heat from dryers and ovens.
- Ergonomic strain from lifting, reaching and repetitive handling.
- Slips from ink, solvent and oil on the floor.
Controls
- Lockout/tagout before cleaning, clearing a jam or servicing. Use the press's "safe" mode and interlocks only as designed; they don't replace lockout for most tasks. See Group Lockout.
- Keep guards, interlocks and two-hand controls in place and working.
- Use ventilation and the least hazardous inks and cleaners. Store flammable solvents in approved cabinets and safety cans. See Flammable Liquids.
- Put solvent-soaked rags in approved metal cans. See Oily Rags.
- Use roll handlers and clamps rather than lifting by hand. Keep pedestrians away from forklift lanes.
- Wear hearing protection, gloves for chemicals, safety glasses and non-slip shoes. Tie back hair and avoid loose clothing and jewelry.
- Train workers and supervisors in the specific machines they use.
Checklist
- I know how to stop the press and lock it out
- Guards and covers are back in place before restart
- Solvents are in labeled, approved containers
- Floors are clean and dry; spills are cleaned up quickly
- I report any malfunction or missing guard right away
Standards & references
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