Abstract: In a continuous printing plant a timer unit is provided with indication whenever a first control is operated to supply power to the printing plant and whenever a second control is operated to inch a new batch of paper into the printer. The timer unit commences a first timing operation of a first predetermined period whenever indication is received from the first or second controls and switches off power to the entire printer if no reset signal is received within the first predetermined period. A sensor detects the movement of a printed paper web between the printer and a set of takeup rollers and indicates the movement to the timer unit. The timer unit initiates a second timing operation whenever it receives indication from the sensor and switches off power to the takeup rollers if indication is not received from the sensor or from the first and second controls within a second predetermined period, thereby independently switching off the takeup rollers in the event of a failure in the printer.