Flexographic Printing SWMS
Narrow-web and wide-web flexographic press operations — anilox roller handling, doctor-blade change, plate mounting, solvent-ink exposure, web-break response and dryer-tunnel hot-work exclusion.
SWMS variants reference your state’s WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.
Flexographic printing operations covering anilox roller handling, doctor-blade changes, plate mounting, solvent-ink exposure, web-break response and dryer-tunnel exclusion. Solvent-based inks (ethyl acetate, alcohol) and powered press plant trigger WHS Regulation 2017 Chapter 4 Part 4.5 (Plant) and Part 7.1 (Hazardous Chemicals) duties for PCBUs.
Hazards identified
4 hazards covered, sorted by priority.
Crush amputation of fingers or hand
Respiratory irritation, fire, narcosis
Deep cuts to hands and forearms
Flash fire or deflagration injury
Control measures
Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.
- 1Isolate, lock and tag press at LOTO point before anilox or blade change
- 2Local exhaust ventilation at ink decks; monitor LEL below 25% in dryer
- 3Cut-resistant Level D gloves and blade-handling jig for doctor-blade swaps
- 4Bonded/earthed ink containers; intrinsically safe equipment in Zone 1 areas
Applicable Codes of Practice
Guarding, isolation and inspection of powered press plant
Solvent ink register, SDS, exposure standards and placarding
High-Risk Construction Work triggered
Press rollers and reel-handling equipment are powered plant with entanglement and crush risk
Ethyl acetate and alcohol-based inks are flammable Schedule 11 hazardous chemicals
HRCW requires written SWMS before work starts; penalties to $30,000 individual
Who this is for
- →Print PCBUs operating narrow-web or wide-web flexographic presses
- →Press operators, plate mounters and maintenance technicians performing change-overs
What you receive
- ✓Editable DOCX SWMS tailored to flexographic press operations
- ✓State-specific WHS legislation schedule (NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT, NT)
- ✓Hazard register covering nip points, solvent inks and dryer ignition
- ✓Worker sign-on register for SWMS consultation evidence
Worked example
A NSW label printer changing anilox rollers without LOTO had a finger drawn into the nip. SafeWork NSW issued an improvement notice citing inadequate plant isolation. Implementing this SWMS with documented LOTO and guarding closed the notice and prevented prosecution under WHS Act s.32.
Related legislation
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth)
- AS/NZS 4024.1501 Safety of machinery
- AS 1940 Storage and handling of flammable liquids