HEALTH AND SAFETY
25257 Issue 3 November 2013 1-5
Fire Risk
For an electrical fire, do not use water. If water must be used, such as in the
case of a Nitro-cellulose ink fire (see below) the power MUST BE
REMOVED first.
Fire risk is a most important consideration where printing inks are stored and
used. The degree of fire hazard will vary considerably from one type of ink or
wash to another.
Water-based inks will not burn, although inks based on water-alcohol
mixtures may burn if there is sufficient alcohol present. Prolonged exposure
of water-based systems to high temperatures may evaporate the water to give a
flammable residue.
Solvent-based inks offer a greater degree of hazard depending on the
particular solvent or solvent combination. When there is a particular hazard
the appropriate information is given on the SDS.
If there is a fire, there is a likelihood that dangerous fumes will arise from
printing inks. For this reason ink must be stored where it can be reached
quickly by the fire fighting service, and where it will not spread beyond the
store.
Spillages and Disposal
WARNING: Some dried inks are highly flammable. Clean
up all ink spillages immediately. Do not allow
the ink to dry or allow any build-up of dried
ink spills.
Spillages must be cleaned up as soon as possible with the appropriate solvent
materials and with regard to the safety of personnel. Care must be taken to
prevent spillages or residue from cleaning up entering drains or sewage
systems.
Inks and associated fluids are materials which conduct electricity. Therefore,
power to the printer must be switched off while spillages inside the printer
cabinet are being cleaned up.
Printing inks and associated fluids must not be treated as ordinary waste.
They must be disposed of using approved methods according to local
regulations.
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