Featured Topic - Paper Storage and Handling Tips

November 2005 - Do your customers ever complain to you about paper jams? In most cases "paper" jams are caused by the equipment, not the paper. But to help avoid those isolated cases where paper does in fact cause the jam, make sure your customers are storing and handling their paper properly.

Paper is sensitive and responds to changes in its environment, such as moisture and temperature fluctuations. All paper will release or absorb moisture as it attempts to reach equilibrium with its environment. Temperature affects the rate and amount of moisture change in each sheet of paper. As the moisture content changes, the electrostatic properties of the sheet also change (impacts copy machine, laser printer and plain-paper fax machine performance).

Here are some basic guidelines for storing and handling paper:

• Store paper in a place that replicates the environment of the copy room. Do not store in a damp or unheated location. Ideal conditions are about 75° Fahrenheit and around 45% relative humidity.
• Temperature acclamation is a good idea. Give paper 24 hours or so to be in the same room with the copier or printer before opening cartons or reams.
• Avoid storing paper near heating pipes and overhead water pipes.
• Do not store paper in direct sunlight or near windows/outside doorways.
• Leave air conditioning/heat on during weekends or holidays.
• Do not store paper directly on concrete floors, use pallets or cabinets.
• Keep ream paper wrapped to give the paper a barrier and help it keep moisture inside the ream. Reseal opened reams and put them back in the carton for storage.
• Fan the paper before loading into a copier or printer to help prevent paper jams.
• Use FIFO techniques so the oldest paper stock is used before opening newer stock.

At least 99% of all paper jams are caused by poor storage or a machine in need of service. These guidelines will help businesses store paper properly and prevent paper jams.

Source: www.paperrap.com