Inkjet ink, solvent and COSHH planning
Select consumables for print performance and manage them through current safety data, site risk assessment, storage, ventilation and trained handling.
A safety data sheet supports, but does not replace, the risk assessment
The Health and Safety Executive states that safety data sheets describe chemical hazards and handling information, but the employer must use them as part of its own assessment. Obtain the current SDS for every proposed ink, make-up fluid, cartridge, cleaner and maintenance product before approval.
See HSE guidance on chemical safety data sheets, COSHH and printing products and DSEAR. A competent site-specific assessment is required.
Health hazards
Review inhalation, skin and eye exposure, sensitisation, cleaning tasks and accidental release using the SDS and actual work method.
Fire and explosion
Check flash point, storage quantity, vapour control, ignition sources and whether DSEAR assessment or hazardous-area controls apply.
Environmental handling
Define spill control, waste, empty containers, contaminated wipes and disposal according to supplier and site requirements.
Link safety, compatibility and print quality
An ink that prints well still needs to be suitable for the workplace, product and packaging process. Record the exact consumable reference used in the sample trial so a later substitute is not treated as equivalent without review.
| Approval item | Information to record |
|---|---|
| Product identity | Manufacturer, product code, colour, batch where relevant and current SDS revision. |
| Printer compatibility | Approved printer, printhead, fluid system or cartridge and any software identification. |
| Packaging compatibility | Substrate, coating, direct or indirect contact boundaries, dry time and durability test. |
| Workplace controls | Ventilation, enclosure, storage, PPE, spill response, cleaning and waste arrangements. |
| Change control | Who approves another ink, supplier, formulation, colour, cleaner or pack material. |
Plan normal handling and foreseeable faults
Delivery and storage
Check labelling, segregation, temperature limits, flammable storage requirements, stock rotation and access to current SDS information.
Filling or cartridge change
Use the approved work instruction, prevent mixing incompatible products, minimise spills and confirm the printer returns to the correct job.
Cleaning and maintenance
Control exposure during printhead cleaning, draining, filter or module replacement and spill recovery. Isolation and guarding remain part of the task.
Washdown and food areas need an application review
Do not infer hygiene suitability or an IP rating from the printer type. Confirm enclosure protection, cleaning chemicals, mounting, consumable handling and where ink or cleaning fluid could travel during normal operation or a leak.
Questions to close before consumables are approved
- Which exact ink, make-up fluid, cartridge and cleaner will be supplied?
- Are current UK safety data sheets available for every product?
- What ventilation, storage, PPE and spill controls does the supplier information require?
- Can the selected consumable tolerate the pack material, cleaning, condensation and downstream handling?
- What happens if the wrong fluid is introduced, the printer leaks or the line is stopped for an extended period?
- How are waste fluid, empty containers and contaminated cleaning materials handled?
Include site safety requirements and approved packaging samples with the application enquiry.
Review ink and consumable suitability