A printing plate processing apparatus provides a step in which a printing plate
which has undergone image exposure is processed by being immersed in a developing
solution, and the printing plate is delivered while the developing solution is
being squeezed out from the printing plate by a conveying roller pair which is
partially immersed in the developing solution. A stoppage time of the apparatus
is measured, and the conveying roller pair is driven to rotate for an amount of
time set in accordance with a measured result of the stoppage time when operation
of the apparatus is started, thereby allowing the conveying rollers to be cleaned.
A concentration of carbon dioxide in an environment in which the apparatus is installed
is detected, and based on the detected result and the measured result of the apparatus
stoppage time, the driving time of the conveying roller pair is set.
