New website is bad news for dodgy chemical suppliers

The web-based package provides practical guidance materials to assist the printing industry with the control of hazardous substances. The package was launched at Melbourne's RMIT print facilities by Australian Safety and Compensation Council chairman, Bill Scales and Philip Andersen, CEO of Printing Industries.

"This can improve the health of people in all industries - especially the printing industry," said Scales. "There's no doubt this will help to further protect the health of printers across the country."

Taking four years to complete, the Essential Chemical Controls Package for Printers required extensive research from a number of different parties including the Australian Safety and Compensation Council and Printing Industries. "Everybody is to be completely congratulated for the work that has been done," said Scales.

"What we've learnt is that these packages are only able to work if we all come together and put aside our politics in a coherent and constructive way."

Among the recommendations contained in the chemical controls are:

Among the recommendations contained in the chemical controls are:

Cleaning solvents

Aim to have cleaning solvents with a flashpoint of 55°C or higher (preferably above 100°C).


• If not possible, then use cleaning solvents with a flashpoint of between 21°C and 55°C.
  
• Cleaning solvents with a flashpoint of less than 21°C should not be used for routine roller and blanket washing.

Blanket reviver and ink stripper solvents

Solvents used in blanket reviver and ink stripper products should not contain:


• hydrocarbons with chlorides, fluorides or bromides added
  
• terpenes which are assigned R38, R43 risk phrases - i.e. irritating to skin or may cause sensitisation by skin contact
  
• n-hexane
  
• secondary amines or amides

Solvents containing these ingredients should not be used, and a substitute chemical (a less hazardous solvent) should be found.

In addition it is recommended that the percentage of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or alternative low boiling point organic chemicals used in fountain solutions should be reduced, so as to reduce the amounts of vapour produced. Aim for five to ten per cent as soon as possible, and have a final aim of five per cent or below.

While the information contained in the Essential Chemical Controls Package for Printers has been specifically developed for printers, Scales believes that it is still relevant for chemical suppliers and others not directly aligned with printing. He lists a number of benefits including helping employers comply with relevant practices for using chemicals, advice on choosing chemicals, appropriate clothing, training and the correct usage of equipment.

"It's meant to be practical to address things that people in the printing industry face everyday," said Scales. "It is a step-by-step guide for printing companies. It's nothing more than building on good, plain leadership in the workplace."

Welcoming the package, Philip Andersen hoped that it would mark the beginning of advances in workplace safety. "It is important for the industry to show it takes its responsibility seriously in this regard," said Anderson. "The project is a first for the Australian industry and likely to be a model for future industries."

To view the package click
here




































Pictured: (left to right) Philip Andersen, Peta Miller, Bill Scales and Howard Morris


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