Have you seen the video posted Youtube where the chap walks up to a non functioning printer, bends down to see what the problem is, has toner blown all over his jacket, and then subsequently goes on a rampage and destroys the office?

It is probably a set up; however toner powder is not the nicest or easiest to remove substance, whether it is on your clothes, on the floor or desk. The particles that make up printer toner have what is called "electrostatic properties", so if you have a spill, it is wise not to use an ordinary vacuum cleaner to clean up the mess, regardless of whether if it is in a printer or photocopier or on the floor or desk area.

The particles are very small, and static discharge from charged toner particles can ignite dust or other minute particle build up in the vacuum cleaner bag, or indeed, in extreme cases, cause a small explosion if sufficient particle quantity is airborne, by flash ignition. At best the vacuum cleaner is damaged, at worst a resultant fire could quickly take hold.

As well as this, because most vacuum cleaner bags are not filtered well, there is a danger the fine particles can be blown back into the room or office. If you do have a spill on your clothes and run straight to the bathroom taps or kitchen taps, then DO NOT clean off with warm or hot water, as this will have the effect of binding the toner to the clothing, making the stain permanent and unmovable. Always use cold water; this is something I have learned with experience. A heat process is used to indelibly mark the paper with toner in the printing process, and hot or warm water will create the same result on fabric.

If you have a spill in the printer or the photocopier, call a specialist in. Why? Cleaning inside a printer with an ordinary vacuum can damage the electronics with a buildup of static charge. You would need an Electrostatic discharge safe (EDF) cleaner, but it is easily remedied by contacting your office supplies supplier. They probably offer the service, or have a contractor they can recommend.

In the long run, it would be cheaper than damaging an expensive printer, fax or photocopier. And remember the health risks; do not sit near a printer, or have it installed in a poorly ventilated office. It is probably best to have the printer set up in an open area or in a well ventilated space set aside for such use.