Be wary of the hazards of printing press work.
The printing industry can be a dangerous place to work. The chemicals used in forming letters can be harmful, causing injuries or even death. The repetitive tasks undertaken in the printing industry can cause back injuries or damage to hands and fingers in workers who did not take precautions.
Lead Exposure
One of the occupational health hazards is lead poisoning. According to the Hong Kong Labour Department website, a worker working with lead alloy can endanger himself by inhaling too much lead oxide, or getting it on his clothes. If you absorb lead in excess, chronic or acute lead poisoning can result.
Photopolymer Exposure
Workers should also avoid coming into direct contact with the photosensitive polymer used in making printing plates. Skin contact with this material can cause irritation as well as dermatitis, according to the department website. Use gloves and protective aprons when handling these materials.
Printing Inks
The pigments and mineral oil residues found in printing inks can irritate the skin. They can be harmful or fatal if ingested (See Reference 1).
Ultraviolet Light
Photoengraving and making lithographic plates make use of ultraviolet light. This type of light, found in the sun's rays, emanates from the carbon arcs used in this printing method. These arcs create toxic nitrogen oxides, as well as carbon monoxide, which are harmful or even fatal if inhaled in excess. The lamps used in the photoengraving and lithographic plate making process have been known to produce ozone and other toxic fumes. Ultraviolet rays are a cause of diseases of the eye, as well as skin cancer.
Ergonomic Dangers
Working at a printing press could cause muscle and joint injuries. As the Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA) website points out, prolonged sitting or standing and repetitive bending, reaching, or exertion, as well as heavy lifting, can cause problems such as lower back injuries, as well as carpal-tunnel syndrome, if you do not perform these tasks in an safe manner.
OSHA recommends that press workers, should alternate between standing and sitting to reduce fatigue. Employers should provide special shoe soles or anti-fatigue floor mats to reduce the stress on the feet. In addition, a simple adjustment of a chair at the machine feed area will ensure that you can keep your arms close to your body during the machine feeding process.
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