Guidelines
for Health and Safety Procedures with Relating to Photography
Before Starting Work in the Darkroom and Turning
Off the Main Lights.
To be completed by the student:
*
Make sure all
work surfaces are clean and free of debris, litter etc.
*
Put any bags
or belongings away from these work areas.
*
Remember the
darkroom is a low light, and even no light, working environment. Be sure
to store coats, bags etc. where they cannot be tripped over.
*
Locate eye
wash station.
*
Do not take
food or drink into the darkroom.
To
be completed by the instructor:
*
Check that
the chemicals you wish to use are fresh.
*
Mix any chemicals
you need and place them in the correct apparatus, for example printing
trays, before turning off the main white light. (Please note Correct Use
of Chemicals in the Darkroom.)
*
Make sure that
all equipment you intend to use is clean, dry and at hand.
*
Turn on any
extractor fans.
Correct Use of Chemicals in the Darkroom
Most
common photographic chemicals can be used safely if simple precautions
are followed. The following safety tips are applicable to most aqueous
chemicals used in black-and-white and color photography. Always read the
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for a specific chemical before use.
To be completed by the student:
*
Always
keep chemicals away from the dry benches and electricity.
*
Do
not touch electrical equipment, enlargers, timers etc. with wet or damp
hands. This is one of the reasons darkrooms are built with a dry bench
area, for enlargers etc., and a wet bench area, for chemicals, printing
trays, developing tanks etc.
*
Do
not walk around carrying chemicals in printing trays, developing tanks
etc. You can spill them and cause the floor to become slippery.
*
Wear
protective gloves if possible, if not, avoid prolonged contact with photographic
chemicals. If you have sensitive skin take special care.
*
When
printing use printing tongs. When you have finished, wash your hands.
*
Take
care not to put fingers in or near your mouth and do not rub your eyes.
If you get chemicals in your eyes, via a splash or rubbing your eyes,
use eyewash and seek medical attention. Take the chemical bottle, showing
label, with you when you visit Doctors. Wearing goggles is a responsible
preventative measure.
*
If
you have a cut or a graze on your hand protect it with a waterproof plaster.
After you have finished working in the darkroom remove the plaster as
it may have chemicals on it.
*
Always
wipe up any spillage right away.
*
Always
wash hands after using chemicals and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke in work areas.
To
be completed by the instructor:
*
Always wear
safety goggles and gloves when handling and mixing chemicals.
*
Avoid creating
dust when mixing dry photographic chemicals. Use premixed chemicals if
available. Wet mop any spilled dry chemicals.
*
Use the least
toxic chemicals available. Avoid cyanides, heavy metals, and developers
containing pyrocatechol or pyrogallol.
*
When mixing
water and acid, always add the acid to the water to prevent violent splashing.
Identify incompatible chemicals from information on MSDSs, for example
which ones react violently and/or release fumes when mixed. Do not mix
acids or bleach baths with developers or fixers - sulphur dioxide gas
will be given off which can cause breathing discomfort, especially for
asthmatics.
*
When pouring
chemicals take care not to splash.
*
Dispose of
chemical wastes properly.
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