Haarlem Darkroom Health and Safety

    * Please do not use the darkroom without first having an induction on safe darkroom practices and emergency procedures*

Emergency Contacts: 

Amanda Nichol: 07516580031

Paul Carr: 07764800488

Emergency services: 999

Medical support: 111

Fire Extinguisher: Located by the main door. 

(Amanda Nichol is fire safety trained)

First Aid: First aid kit is on the shelf to the right of the enlarger (Amanda Nichol is trained in basic first aid)

Accident Reporting: Please report accidents and incidents immediately, failure to do so, you will no longer able to use the darkroom.  

1 Keep the darkroom clean and tidy

* You can use the pouches opposite the door if required, whilst using the darkroom

* Take with you or throw way anything that can be classed as rubbish

* Anything left behind will be disposed of. 

2 No food or drink is allowed in the darkroom

* To prevent accidental ingestion of chemicals, should you swallow any chemicals, please dial 111 and seek medical advice immediately. Please also record this in the darkroom accidents book. 

3 Always wash hands thoroughly after handing the chemicals. 

* Hands must be clean and dry as to not contaminate film and paper.

* To prevent accidental poisoning or eye irritation 

4 Use Personal Protection Equipment

* Chemistry is prone to staining clothing – use an apron, or old clothes.

* Goggles / gloves should be worn when handling chemicals.

* Eye wash and a first-aid kit is provided in the darkroom.

5 Please use WET and DRY areas correctly

* Water and electricity do not mix, please do not use ANY liquids by the enlarger 

* Dry Hands – do not touch any electrical appliances with wet hands. 

* Report any breakages or faults and use all electrical equipment appropriately. 

* Enlargers can get hot with excessive use should be touched with caution. 

6 Ensure you have adequate ventilation in the darkroom

* Extractor fan will come on when the light is on – please be vigilant with chemicals in the dark / in safelight. 

* Use extractor fans to remove fumes.

* Open the door at regular intervals.

7 Chemicals for use are clearly labelled, Dev, Stop, Fix

* Store chemicals in its designated area, only use containers Labelled clearly. 

* Please note in the darkroom book any alternative chemicals you have used / brought in, when and how they have been used / disposed of.

8 Mixing

* Mix chemicals in a well-ventilated area, wearing appropriate PPE, and use precise measurements. 

* DO NOT mix acidic chemistry (Stop and Fixer) with alkaline chemistry – it will give off sulphur dioxide vapour which is dangerous if inhaled.

9 Use printing tongs when processing paper

* To prevents chemicals coming into direct contact with your skin. 

* Use different tongs for each try of chemistry to avoid cross contamination.

10 Please clean and return the trays to underneath the enlarger after use

* Thoroughly wash and dry trays

11 Dispose of used chemicals in the containers labelled DIRTY CHEMICALS

* If these are full, please inform Amanda Nichol As Soon As Possible 

* They will be taken to an official chemical disposal point.

12 Spill Procedures

* Please use paper towels for spilt chemicals and put in the bin, 

* Ensure the area is well ventilated and dry before continuing. 

* Inform Amanda Nichol of any spillages and note in the darkroom book. 

13 Fabric towels are for hands 

* If towels in the darkroom are used to the clean up any spillages, please wash them and return to the darkroom.

 14 Chemical Handling 

  * See SDS (Safety Data Sheets) in the darkroom book.

  15 Induction

    * after your induction you are required to sign an agreement

to state you have read through the H&S sheet and agree to comply to the above.