Shop and safety mistakes

Pouring ink and chemicals down the drain

What goes down the drain is regulated by your local wastewater utility. One city’s guidance for screen printers: scrape ink out dry, wipe screens with rags before washing, minimize solvents, and never pour ink down drains. Instead: call your local wastewater utility and ask what applies to you.

No safety data sheets on hand

Employers need a written hazard communication program, safety data sheets for their chemicals, labeled containers and trained employees (OSHA). Ventilate, wear chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection, and store flammables safely.

Quoting without counting screens

Every color in every print location is its own screen, and each flash slows the press. Instead: count screens and flashes before you price a job. See What affects a print price.