Printing is a machinery- and chemical-intensive process, so workplace health and safety duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 apply. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulates in Great Britain and HSENI in Northern Ireland.
If you use solvent-based inks, coatings and cleaning agents, you take on extra environmental and chemicals duties — an air-emissions permit and UK REACH obligations on the substances in your inks.
What you need to do
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Run a safe print works and employ people
Whatever you print, start with the universal spine. Follow "Set up and run a safe printing business" for your health and safety, COSHH controls on inks and solvents, work equipment, manual handling, fire safety, insurance, equality and data protection duties.
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Manage your solvents, inks and emissions
If you use solvent-based inks, coatings and cleaning agents above the threshold, you need an air-emissions permit and you must meet your UK REACH duties on the substances in your inks. Follow "Manage solvents, inks and emissions in printing".
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Confirm you have covered everything
Finish with the printing business compliance checklist to confirm your obligations are met.
Legal basis
Primary legislation and key regulations
Read it on legislation.gov.uk (opens in a new tab) legislation.gov.uk