This note outlines some generic criteria to be considered, but the circumstances of each operation will be different and must be considered individually.

Workflow-Layout
The first consideration in any production process is to establish the most frequent jobs and to ensure that the work and materials flow in a smooth progression from input to output. As a number of jobs may be running simultaneously, equipment and material storage should be organised so that movements do not cross over each other. Several parallel processing routes are desirable.

Material Movement, Storage & Handling
Attention should be paid to the whole process, including:

Waste
Waste arises from both material packaging and job processing errors. Suitable containers should be provided close to each piece of equipment. Removal and disposal arrangements should also be adequate and manual handling arrangements satisfactory.

If liquid toners or other chemicals are used, their disposal may require special consideration.

Ergonomics
Consideration should be given to each activity and whether the person will be standing or sitting. This may affect the height, depth and construction of workbenches. Chairs should not cause an obstruction to others or be in main traffic routes.

Some tasks may require close attention, and would benefit from a separate area with appropriate acoustic screening, task lighting and work-stations. Such activities may include computer use, artwork preparation etc.

Some activities (e.g. paper drills, large laminators etc.) may involve the use of equipment which should be positioned away from the main traffic flow so that the risk of distraction or accidental interference with the operator, equipment or work-in-progress is minimised.

Temperature and Ventilation
Individually, copiers and similar machines are normally suitable for placement in any office environment of reasonable size and natural ventilation, and are not designed for connection to dedicated extraction ducting. However, the concentration of machines in a print-room can result in significant heat output and slight odours from resins in the paper and toner. While it is most unlikely to contravene the COSHH or Workplace Regulations, it is desirable for the comfort and productivity of staff to provide an adequate throughput of air without cold draughts. If natural ventilation is insufficient, the optimum arrangement is to position any extraction outlets behind the most heavily-used machines so that the warm air is drawn away from the place where operators stand. It is preferable that individuals should not sit for long periods immediately behind copiers as the exhaust of warm dry air with possible trace quantities of Ozone or dust and carrying noise may result in discomfort.

The warm, dry air in a print-room can lead to the generation of high levels of static electricity on workers. Though not hazardous, contact with the earthed covers of machines can cause a spark which is uncomfortable and can interfere with electronic equipment. Static is generated by the rubbing and separation of insulating materials, but is dissipated if the air is humid and therefore slightly conductive. Ventilation can prevent excessively low humidity, and floor coverings should comply with the IBM/ICL specification for electrostatic dissipation. Natural materials (e.g. cotton or wool) are preferable to man-made fibres for clothing and carpets.

Electrical and Lighting
Every item of electrical equipment should be able to be disconnected from the supply easily and quickly, preferably by removal of the plug from a socket (e.g. BS 1363 or BS 4343/EN60309) or by a clearly-marked isolator switch nearby.

As equipment in a print-room changes periodically and some items require several outlets, it is desirable to provide many sockets at regular intervals on the wall behind machines and work-benches. Cabling to equipment or work surfaces in the centre of the room should be supplied from overhead via poles fixed to the floor and ceiling. Floor-mounted sockets should be avoided as there are greater risks of cable damage and tripping hazards - the layout is also very inflexible and cannot accommodate changes which may occur.

Data and telecommunications cabling is increasingly important, and should follow similar principles to power cabling. If data and power are run in the same conduit, adequate screening must be provided. Note that good secure earthing of electrical sockets and cable screens is essential to prevent equipment malfunctions as well as safety protection to users. Installations should be checked regularly.

Trailing cables should be avoided. All flexes must be routed so that they will not be at risk of abrasion, cuts, squashing or other damage.

Most equipment contains electronic filters to minimise electrical interference and comply with the EMC (Electro-Magnetic Compatibility) Regulations. These cause a small current to be diverted through the earth conductor. Residual Current Devices (RCD) should not be installed in power distribution boards as the total earth current from all the equipment in a print-room may cause intermittent tripping. If RCD protection is required, it should be provided at the socket outlets for the relevant items.

Lighting in print-rooms is rarely a problem, but any close work may need task lighting and / or protection from glare and reflections, as specified in the Display Screen Regulations.

Noise and Flooring
Print-room equipment generates some noise. While the total is unlikely to exceed the action levels specified in the Noise at Work Regulations, it may be such that it is desirable for the comfort and productivity of staff to consider measures to minimise it. The print-room should preferably not have a bare concrete floor with solid walls and a ceiling which reflects sound.

The flooring should be suitable for machines to be moved on their castors without undo effort, and free from depressions or other irregularities which may cause a castor to stick. The floor covering should provide some sound deadening and comfort for operators who spend much of their time on their feet. All floor coverings should be securely fixed in place to prevent tripping hazards or distortion when heavy machines are moved. Carpets or carpet tiles should comply with the IBM/ICL specification for electrostatic dissipation.

Acoustic tiles on the ceiling will generally be beneficial. Noise may be greater at the rear of machines, due to the location of drive systems and the exhaust outlets. Sound absorption behind machines may therefore be advantageous.

Partitioning or screening of individual or groups of machines may be considered, though is rarely essential.

Equipment Installation and Maintenance
Copiers and similar equipment are large and heavy items, especially those for large-format paper. It is desirable for there to be double-doors for easy access to the room and reasonable access of sufficient dimensions for delivery of equipment.

Reprographic equipment requires regular servicing. The organisation and layout should be such as to enable this to be carried out without risk of injury to either the service technician or others in the room, and enable other jobs to continue with minimum loss of efficiency. Note that service access is required to all sides of machines, though with different frequencies. Some machines are provided with castors to enable them to be rotated or moved for service, but this may be difficult unless the floor and its covering are suitable.

Fire
Fire risks are generally low, especially if smoking is not permitted. However all electrical equipment has the potential to create smoke or fire. Both water and CO2 extinguishers should be available in the print-room. Housekeeping rules should ensure that paper waste and empty boxes do not accumulate behind or underneath machines.