Technology Activity Skill and Process Management Strategies

Photography

Photography refers to photographic activities ranging from camera usage to film development.

Identified Risks and Hazards

· Hazards that may be encountered in photography include:

· inhalation of fumes, vapours and dust

· ingestion or absorption of chemicals

· electrical shock from faulty equipment

· fire associated with chemicals with low flashpoints

Potential areas of risk include:

· developing baths

(i) These are skin and eye irritants, may cause poisoning when absorbed

· stop baths

(i) These chemicals cause dermatitis and ulcers, and can irritate mucous membranes

(iii) inhalation of concentrated acetic acid fumes generally results in an inability to breathe

· fixing baths

(i) fixing baths may contain sodium thiosulphate, acetic acid and sodium sulphite

(ii) sodium thiosulphate, can decompose to form highly toxic sulphur dioxide, which can cause lung problems

Activity Location Considerations

· The work area should have adequate lighting to ensure comfortable working conditions.

· The work area should be appropriate for electronics activities. Bench tops should be made of a suitable material. Bench heights need to be considered in relation to the type of equipment being used.

· Adequate supervision of students in the work area should be maintained at all times.

· First aid equipment and supplies should be available and easily accessible. A clearly sign-posted First Aid Station in the work area is recommended.

·
Mechanical ventilation should be used when using a darkroom (10 air changes per hour are recommended).

· Extraction hoods should be used in darkrooms, positioned as close as practicable to the point of generation of fumes, vapours and dust.

· The exhaust system should continue to operate even when the room is not occupied.

· Power points should not be located above `wet' benches.

Resource and Equipment Guidelines

· The equipment should be appropriate for the activity and conform to Australian Standards specifications.

· Electrical equipment should be inspected regularly and where possible It is advised that electrical equipment have current electrical test certification. (AS/NZS 3760::2000)

· All protective equipment should be cleaned (e.g. rubber gloves washed or disposed of daily).

· Electrical cords and power boards should not be used if they constitute a tripping hazard or cause an obstruction.

· Safelights should be controlled by a single switch circuit or ceiling cord type switch and be positioned directly above work benches.

· Enlargers should be operated through low-voltage timers.

· Benchtops should be chemically inert, water-tight and resistant to abrasion. It is recommended that darkroom furniture be painted white.

· Students using this equipment should be given comprehensive instruction in photographic darkroom safety, so that they are aware of the range of hazards associated with photographic development. The teacher will need to verify that a student has understood how to apply operating and safety instructions. This may be done through oral or written tests, assignments, operator certifications or checklists.

· Students will need to

· Hazards should be minimised by using chemicals supplied in liquid form rather than powdered form.

· Teachers should request from potential suppliers of photographic chemicals a detailed analysis of constituents, (i.e. material safety data sheets). These should be available at all times.

· Guidelines should be established for safe work procedures in darkrooms (i.e. allow no food or drink and formulate an evacuation procedure to be used in the event of a chemical spill).

·
Chemicals should be securely stored on low shelves in a locked storage area.

· A safe method of waste disposal and clean-up of chemical spillage should be predetermined and adhered to. Contact local authorities to determine the appropriate method of waste disposal.

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