UK COSHH Data Sheet Reference

Toner Dust (Photocopier/Laser Printer) COSHH Data Sheet UK

Q: What PPE is needed for Toner Dust (Photocopier/Laser Printer)?

The recommended PPE for Toner Dust (Photocopier/Laser Printer) typically includes: Disposable gloves for cartridge handling; Optional dust mask if changing cartridges frequently. Actual requirements depend on the specific workplace exposure and must be confirmed by the assessor.

Q: What are the emergency procedures for Toner Dust (Photocopier/Laser Printer) exposure?

Skin contact: Wash with water. Toner is designed to be difficult to remove - do not use hot water which sets it. Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop. Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Seek medical attention if large amount ingested. For any serious exposure, call 999 in the UK.

A HSE-format UK COSHH data sheet reference for Toner Dust (Photocopier/Laser Printer) (also known as Toner, Printer Toner, Photocopier Toner). Covers workplace exposure limits from HSE EH40/2005, GHS hazard classification, control measures, PPE, storage, spillage and emergency procedures. Use the data here to complete your own COSHH assessment, or generate a workplace-specific PDF in 5 minutes.

Saad

Founder, coshhassessments.co.uk

@saad7038 on X·About·Updated 21 July 2026

Baseline Risk Rating

Low

CAS Number: Not specified

Physical Form: Fine black or coloured powder in sealed cartridge

Common Names: Toner, Printer Toner, Photocopier Toner, Laser Cartridge Powder

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Important noteThis reference summary is compiled from HSE EH40/2005 and publicly available manufacturer Safety Data Sheets. It is not the manufacturer's official SDS for any specific product. Before relying on any COSHH assessment based on this data, cross-check against the SDS supplied with the specific product you use in your workplace. See our methodology page for how we source and verify data.

GHS Hazard Classification

Nuisance dust. Some studies indicate potential for respiratory irritation from ultrafine particles. Individual toner formulations may contain carbon black (IARC Group 2B - possible carcinogen).

Health Effects

Toner dust exposure is a concern when replacing cartridges, when cartridges leak, or during printer/photocopier maintenance. UK printer service technicians and office staff who handle cartridges frequently should be aware of dust risks.

Routes of Exposure

Inhalation during cartridge changes
Skin contact
Eye contact

Workplace exposure to Toner Dust (Photocopier/Laser Printer) is regulated under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. Employers must reduce occupational exposure to as low as reasonably practicable, following the HSE hierarchy of control.

Recommended Control Measures

Applied in the HSE hierarchy of control order: eliminate, substitute, engineering, administrative, PPE.

Handle cartridges carefully - do not shake or force
Change cartridges in ventilated area
Contain spills - do not vacuum with normal vacuum (fine dust)
Follow manufacturer instructions for cartridge replacement

Recommended PPE

Disposable gloves for cartridge handling
Optional dust mask if changing cartridges frequently

Emergency Procedures

Skin contact: Wash with water. Toner is designed to be difficult to remove - do not use hot water which sets it.

Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of water. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Inhalation: Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop.

Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Seek medical attention if large amount ingested.

UK emergency: 999. Medical advice: NHS 111. Poisons information for healthcare professionals: TOXBASE.

Data Sources

UK office equipment safety guides; manufacturer cartridge SDS; HSE office environment guidance

Frequently asked questions

Is a COSHH assessment required for Toner Dust (Photocopier/Laser Printer)?

Yes. Any UK employer whose staff work with Toner Dust (Photocopier/Laser Printer) must hold a written COSHH assessment under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, Regulation 6. The assessment must be reviewed at least annually and immediately if circumstances change. You can generate one free (watermarked) using our tool.

What is the Workplace Exposure Limit for Toner Dust (Photocopier/Laser Printer)?

Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for Toner Dust (Photocopier/Laser Printer) are published by HSE in EH40/2005. Values come as an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) and 15-minute short-term exposure limit (STEL). Where a formal WEL has not been set for this substance, we mark the field as "Not established" and rely on hazard-based controls following the hierarchy of control.

What PPE is needed for Toner Dust (Photocopier/Laser Printer)?

The recommended PPE typically includes: Disposable gloves for cartridge handling; Optional dust mask if changing cartridges frequently. Actual PPE requirements depend on how Toner Dust (Photocopier/Laser Printer) is used in your specific workplace, how often, and existing engineering controls. Your COSHH assessment should specify PPE only after engineering and administrative controls have been considered.

Do I need health surveillance for workers using Toner Dust (Photocopier/Laser Printer)?

Health surveillance under COSHH 2002 Regulation 10 is required for substances that are respiratory sensitisers, skin sensitisers, or carcinogens where exposure is significant. If Toner Dust (Photocopier/Laser Printer) appears on the HSE health surveillance list for your industry, workers with regular exposure should have baseline and annual monitoring.

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