Photocopier Toner Safety: A Guide to Handling Spills and Cleanup

Photocopiers in modern offices, along with their toner cartridges and delivery systems, are designed and planned to eliminate human contact with the toner. However, the reality is that operators often contact the fine powder.

Consequently, malfunctioning cartridges, breaking machine components that expose the toner to heat, or unfused toner paper ejected during a paper jam are common ways an operator may be exposed to photocopier toner.

What is Toner? (And Why You Need to Be Careful)

Toner is a fine powder made of polymers and pigments—in very simple terms, it is a plastic powder.1 Although toner is not considered carcinogenic, it can be irritating.2 You must impose normal safety precautions when handling it.

Essential Toner Safety Precautions

ScenarioActionCrucial Safety Note
EyesWash immediately with cold water to remove the particles.Even benign particles irritate the respiratory system and eyes.
SkinRemove with soap and water as soon as practicable.Do not eat or smoke until you have removed the toner from the area.
ClothingRemove with a dry cloth or a lint brush first.Do not use warm or hot water; heat fixes the toner, creating a permanent stain.
SpillsUse a mask to avoid inhaling the fine particles.Barre (sweep) slowly to keep the dust from becoming airborne.

Instructions for Cleaning and Disposal

You must follow specific procedures to effectively clean up toner without contaminating the area or ruining clothing.

1. Cleaning Spills

You must use a mask to avoid inhaling the toner, as even benign particles irritate the respiratory system.3

  • Sweeping: Barre spilled toner gently, as if you were sweeping fine flour. Avoid doing it vigorously, or the fine powder will fly through the air.
  • Vacuuming: You can use a vacuum cleaner capable of drawing microparticles. If in doubt, use a broom or brush to clean the spilled powder instead of a regular vacuum, as the fine powder can damage a standard filter.
  • Disposal Note: Do not reuse spilled toner.4 The dispenser of the photocopier would be contaminated with foreign particles collected along with the toner.

2. Proper Disposal

Discard the toner into a plastic garbage bag and then close it slowly.

  • Double Bagging: Be careful not to remove the air from the bag vigorously; otherwise, the toner powder will fly through the air. Place the bag inside another and close it well. This double bagging prevents dust from flying or spilling.
  • Waste Classification: The toner is classified as a hazardous waste, so you should not normally throw it away with regular trash.5

Security and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

All toner manufacturers print a Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each type of toner manufactured. These sheets should be available whenever they are needed.

  • Obtaining MSDS: You can obtain these MSDS directly from the manufacturer or the supplier who sells you the toner.
  • Action: To request an MSDS for each type of toner that your office uses, contact your supplier or go to the manufacturer’s website and download the documents.

These data sheets provide useful information to consumers regarding product composition, hazard identification, first aid, combustibility information, handling, storage, and cleaning.

If you plan to get copiers for your Los Angeles office, you can opt to buy copiers or rent copiers in Los Angeles. We can give you options for getting the copy machine that you want. You can contact our local copier rental services department in your location.

For all services in Los Angeles, call Clear Choice Technical Services:

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