Senin, 25 Agustus 2014
Laser printers can causes problems to your health. The sources of possible health concerns are : toner, ozone, light and ultraviolet light, noise, and heat.
Laser Printer
A. Toner
Laser printers use toner as part of the printing process. The toner is an extremely fine powder, which in itself is not classed as a substance hazardous to health, but any dust in substantial concentration is, as it may cause respiratory tract irritation resulting in coughing and sneezing.
Toner dust is considered a nuisance dust and should have no health effects other than those noted above. However, persons who have an already compromised respiratory system (e.g. suffer from asthma, bronchitis, etc) should avoid changing toner cartridges. If this is not practicable then the operation should be carried out with extreme caution to avoid generating a dust cloud.
B. Ozone
Ozone, O3, a form of oxygen, is a normal constituent of the earth’s atmosphere. It is a highly reactive, unstable, colourless gas with a distinctive odour which, at room temperature, decomposes rapidly to oxygen, O2, particularly on contact with furnishings. Ozone cannot be stored or transported in vessels because it decomposes in the presence of oxidisible impurities, humidity and solid surfaces.
As ozone is such a highly reactive substance, any adverse health effects will be found essentially at the sites of initial contact; the respiratory tract (nose, throat and airways), the lungs and at higher concentrations, the eyes. The principle health affects are produced by irritation of and damage to the small airways of the lung and at very high concentrations can have serious adverse health effects such as nausea and pulmonary congestion.
C. Light and Ultraviolet Light
The lamps in photocopiers emit light in both the visible and ultraviolet ranges. In general, the ultraviolet light does not pass beyond the glass plate in which the original is placed. Estimated operator exposure to visible light is minimal and is well below the permissible exposure level.
Nevertheless, as an additional safety measure, keep the cover closed whilst copying. Should the cover have to remain partially open , e.g. to copy a book, look away from the light source.
D. Noise
Exposure to high levels of noise is common in the printing industry and can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. Temporary hearing loss can result from short-term exposures to noise, with normal hearing returning after a period of rest. Permanent hearing loss can also result depending on the nature of the noise. Noise induced hearing loss is preventable through controls that are aimed at eliminating or reducing noise at the source, along the pathor at the worker.
E. Heat
Heat production vary considerably according to the printer. Heat are fatiguing, distracting and stressful . Heat production in the room can be dispersed by good room ventilation, air conditioning or dedicated extract ventilation.
Solutions/Tips:
- Make sure the office is well-ventilated with air from outside
- If possible, locate heavily-used printers in well-ventilated areas, away from people
- Avoid standing over the printer as it prints
- If you are sitting next to a heavily-used printer, consider asking for you or the printer to move
- People with asthma or heart disease would be best advised not to sit near busy printers
SOURCES:
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Very Good. Thank you
BalasHapus