Safety in Photography

Safety in Photography

DARKROOM SAFETY

Developing and processing black and white photographs can be perfectly safe if you use the equipment and materials correctly. Commonsense prevails in most situations and it is therefore rational to commence by setting up your darkroom in a way that minimises the possibility of hazardous situations occurring. It is also important to be aware of the possible dangers and how to deal with them in a safe and healthy way.

Risk Levels

The risk levels in photography are divided into two categories depending on the complexity of the operation and the degree of associated risk:

(a)Low risk (level 1): Camera usage.

(b)High risk (level 3): Film development.

High Risk Hazards

Hazards that may be encountered in Black and White photography include:

(a)inhalation of fumes, vapours and dust;

(b)ingestion or absorption of chemicals;

(c)electrical shock

Potential risk areas include:

(a)Developing baths:

Most common constituents are hydroquinone, metal and phenidene. Developers are skin and eye irritants, and in many cases of strong sensitivities may cause poisoning when absorbed.

(b)Stop baths:

Contains weak solutions of acetic acid.

Inhalation of concentrated acetic acid fumes generally results in an inability to breathe.

NB: both chemicals cause dermatitis and ulcers, and can irritate mucous membranes

(c)Fixing baths:

commercially available fixing baths may contain hypo or sodium thiosulphate, acetic acid, sodium sulphite, sometimes alum and boric acid;

sodium thiosulphate, when long-standing, can decompose to form highly toxic sulphur dioxide, which can cause chronic lung problems.

(d)Electrical Shock:

Hands must be clean and dry when operating any electrical equipment. Use soap and paper towels.

The wet and dry areas must be respected at all times. (eg. no wet test strips near enlargers)

If you are aware of any condition (e.g. physical or medical) that may impair your capacity to engage safely in photography, report this to your teacher before participating in the activity so that necessary precautions can be taken to ensure your safety and the safety of others.

In order to Participate in Photography Students are required to:

(a)work independently and be responsible, mature and competent;

(b)adhere to all safety instructions and directions given in relation to the activity and use of equipment;

(c)demonstrate practical and manipulative skills that exhibit prior learning

(d)secure or remove any loose apparel, jewellery and other ornaments that may cause injury to themselves and/or other participants;

(e)secure long hair if it is likely to impair vision or become entangled in the equipment;

(f)display responsibility and skill that indicates safe ability to operate the equipment without endangering their own and or others' health and safety.

Rules

The following darkroom rules take into consideration health and safety issues. Failure to comply will result in removal from the activity. (ref. DOEM 6.5 – page 5)

1.No eating, drinking or smoking

2.No running, playing, or fooling around

3.Treat all chemicals and electricity with respect

4.Wash your hands with soap at the end of each session

5.Protective gloves, safety glasses and aprons to be worn when handling chemicals.

6.Tongs are to be used as per instructions when using chemical baths

7.Keep wet items (including hands) only in the wet area

8.Should a spill occur, clean up as per instructions.

9.No visitors allowed - Darkrooms are to be used only by qualified people - working quietly.

10.Shoes with impervious uppers must be worn in the vicinity of chemicals

THE DARKROOM SETUP

The design of the darkroom maximises the working space and takes into consideration health and safety issues.

The darkroom has separate wet and dry areas. The dry area provides enough space for the enlarger, negatives and photographic paper. It also provides a clear, clean and dry working space. In AR02, this workspace can be the enlarger alcove with storage on the shelf below.

The wet area is where the chemicals, trays and sink are located. In AR02, this wet area is in the middle area of the room. Care must be taken that no water or chemicals reach the dry areas where the enlargers are situated because of the potential danger of death by electrocution and damage to equipment from chemical corrosion.

Prints are hung to dry in the drying enclosure after washing thoroughly.

Although we use odourless chemicals that don't produce fumes, it is important that proper ventilation is used to extract any fumes from the chemical trays. Always ensure that the extractor is switched on - full. The fumes are not in themselves considered to be toxic but can irritate and cause headache and dizziness if not properly extracted. Should this occur, the student must be removed from the contaminated area as soon as possible, and be instructed to sit in the shade in fresh air. Sometimes headaches are brought on by dehydration rather than breathing the fumes.

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As you will be working mostly in dim, filtered lighting, it is very important that nothing is left on the floor or on benches that you could bump into or trip over. All parts of the darkroom, including chemicals and trays are clearly marked to prevent confusion and contamination. It is also important to be aware that the top part of the enlarger becomes very hot if left on for extended periods of time. This can cause burning if it comes in contact with skin.

SPILLS

If any spills occur they should be cleaned up immediately to prevent slipping or inhaling the fumes. Chemical spills on the floor are best cleaned with an absorbent such as cat litter: sprinkled on, swept up, wrapped and disposed of in the bin. The area is then washed with water and paper towells.

Chemicals spilled on clothing can cause permanent stains, therefore it is wise to wear protective clothing. Any chemical on clothing should be removed immediately by washing the garment thoroughly.

DISPOSAL

Spent fixer is stored and collected for silver retrieval. All other chemicals are flushed with copious amounts of water.

USING THE CHEMICALS

It is wise to be both sensible and careful when using photographic chemicals. Although they are not considered to be highly dangerous in liquid form, improper use can be extremely harmful.

The main problems that can occur are generally a result of accidents. If the chemicals are splashed into the eyes or swallowed, it is important to be aware of what to do.

Film and paper developers are toxic if swallowed and if spills are left to dry, the brown crystalline form vaporizes to produce potentially harmful fumes. Always clean up the wet area properly.

FIRST AID ADVICE

This first aid advice is given for basic black and white photographic chemicals, including developer, stop bath and fixer. If other chemicals are being used it is important that you check the first aid advice from the Safety Standards Association. In an emergency contact the Poisons Information Centre in your capital city.

Swallowed: Do not induce vomiting. Give student a glass of water and seek medical advice.

Eyes: Hold eyes open and flood with water for at least 15 minutes. See a doctor.

Skin: Remove contaminated clothing and wash skin thoroughly.

First aid facilities: An eye wash facility is highly recommended. (Science block has one.)

In some cases a student may be allergic, or build up an allergy to the chemicals. A cut on the hand placed in the chemicals may result in stinging. If you have chemicals on your hands and you then place them in your mouth, this can be harmful. For all these reasons it is a good idea to use tongs whenever possible and keep your hands out of the chemical trays. After each session in the dark room wash your hands thoroughly with soapy water.

PERSONAL PROTECTION

There are a great many precautions that you can take while working in the darkroom. Some listed below may seem a little extreme, however it is important for you to use personal protection, especially when setting up the developer or whenever handling concentrates.

Liquid concentrates are by far safer options to dry forms of chemicals and are used in this school.

Eyes: Wear safety goggles. (Provided)

Hands: Wear rubber gloves. (One set provided – after that, provide your own)

Clothing: Wear a rubber or PVC apron. (Provided)

Respiratory: Always ensure the exhaust/ventilation fan is switched on when using the darkroom and that windows are open during film development.

Department of Education Manual

HS-10-42: Photography Risk Assessment Criteria

3. Risk Levels

3.1 The risk levels in photography are divided into two categories depending on the complexity of the operation and the degree of associated risk:

(a) Low risk (level 1): Camera usage.

(b) High risk (level 3): Film development.

4. Hazards

4.1 Hazards that may be encountered in photography include:

(a) inhalation of fumes, vapours and dust;

(b) ingestion or absorption of chemicals;

(c) electrical shock; and

(d) fire (associated with chemicals with low flashpoints).

4.2 Potential risk areas include:

(a) developing baths;

(i) most common constituents are hydroquinone, metal and phenidene;

(ii) developers are skin and eye irritants, and in many cases of strong sensitivities may cause poisoning when absorbed.

(b) stop baths;

(i) usually contain weak solutions of acetic acid, and some contain potassium chrome alum as a hardener;

(ii) both chemicals cause dermatitis and ulcers, and can irritate mucous membranes;

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

(c) fixing baths;

(i) commercially available fixing baths may contain hypo or sodium thiosulphate, acetic acid, sodium sulphite, sometimes alum and boric acid;

(ii) sodium thiosulphate, when long-standing, can decompose to form highly toxic sulphur dioxide, which can cause chronic lung problems.

6. Teacher Responsibilities

6.1 Teachers are responsible for managing a safe educational environment and ensuring that activities involving photography address safety issues and procedures.

6.2 Teachers should:

(a) recognise their own ability in the specific area; and

(b) assess the appropriateness of the activity to the students.

Safety of Students

6.3 Teachers should:

(a) determine the students' capabilities to engage in the activity;

(b) consider the severity or consequences of any injury that could be sustained through involvement in the activity; and

(c) evaluate the educational outcomes and balance these against the hazards and inherent dangers of engaging in the activity.

6.4 Teachers should seek information from parents (or caregivers) and students of any condition (e.g. physical or medical) that may impair a student's capacity to engage safely in photography. The teacher should investigate any reported condition before the student participates in the activity and take necessary precautions to ensure the safe participation of the student.

6.5Teachers should ensure students: (Back to Rules)

(a) working independently are responsible, mature and competent;

(b) adhere to all safety instructions and directions given in relation to the activity and use of equipment;

(c) demonstrate practical and manipulative skills that exhibit prior learning; and/or

(d) secure or remove any loose apparel, jewellery and other ornaments that may cause injury to themselves and/or other participants;

(e) secure long hair if it is likely to impair vision or become entangled in the equipment;

(f) display responsibility and skill that indicates safe ability to operate the equipment without endangering their own and or others' health and safety.

6.6 Appropriate personal protective equipment (i.e. protective gloves, safety glasses and aprons) should be worn, and tongs used, when developing film and using chemical baths.

Social Justice

6.7 Teachers or leaders need to investigate the options necessary for the optimum and safe participation of all students in the activity.

6.8 Students should have access to a range of educational options which reflects the specific needs of the students and the diverse nature of the school community.

6.9 Teachers may need to adapt the activity or the environment to maximise the participation of all students.

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