The main risks of both purpose built or converted printing presses are:

• moving components with associated crush and shear points
• weights of dies on large machine
• noise especially where trimming extraction systems are fitted
• crush points at the out feed of larger machines

The cutting/creasing and stripping areas must be guarded using wither fixed or interlock guards. Audible pre-start warnings must sound before the machine is moved if it is necessary to inch the machine with the guards open.

Vacuum extraction used to remove trimmings can exceed 85 db(A). Measures should be put in place to minimise the level to which operators are exposed. An effective control would be to install acoustic suppressing material around the extraction pipes.

To minimise the risk of injury through manual handling when changing dies, appropriate equipment should be provided, or a safe system of work put in place.

Converted machines have the feed and delivery at the same end. Guards must be provided over the forme at the other end and the shear drop caused by the gap in the cylinder as it passes fixed machine parts.