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WHS Management for Screen Printing

Manage styrene exposure, solvent vapours, and UV curing hazards in screen printing operations.

Screen printing operations involve direct handling of solvent-based and UV-curable inks that generate significant chemical vapour exposure during application and curing. Styrene-based inks remain widely used in screen printing and the WEL for styrene is dropping from 50 to 20 ppm in December 2026 — a 60 per cent reduction that will require many screen printers to upgrade extraction systems or reformulate ink selections. Manual screen printing also presents ergonomic hazards from repetitive squeegee strokes and substrate handling. A dedicated WHS management plan ensures your screen printing workshop addresses chemical, ergonomic, and UV radiation risks under current regulatory requirements.

Key Hazards

Styrene vapour exposure from styrene-based screen inks (WEL reducing 60%)Solvent vapour inhalation during screen cleaning and ink thinningUV radiation exposure from UV curing unitsSkin sensitisation from contact with uncured inks and emulsionsErgonomic injuries from repetitive squeegee operation and substrate handlingChemical spill and fire risk from flammable solvent storage

Regulatory Requirements

HRCW Categories

Hazardous chemical exposure, hazardous manual tasks

Section 26A Codes (binding 1 July 2026)
Managing Risks of Hazardous ChemicalsHazardous Manual TasksManaging Risks of Plant in the Workplace

SWMS Required

Related Sectors

Need Help with Screen Printing WHS?

We help screen printing businesses develop compliant WHS systems covering styrene exposure controls, solvent management, and UV curing safety procedures.

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