Dark Room health and saftey

Darkroom General Safety Rules:

• Limit access to the darkroom. Only approved persons should be allowed to work in the room.
• Practice good housekeeping. Keep the work area clean and uncluttered to prevent tripping over hazardous chemical bottles.
• Separate the wet and dry areas.
• Always segregate chemicals. (Don’t store acids near reducer).
• Use the least toxic chemicals available. Avoid cyanides, heavy metals and developers containing pyrocatechol or pyrogallol when possible.
• Do not store chemicals on the floor.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke in the darkroom.
• The darkroom should be well ventilated.
• Wear appropriate protective equipment whenever possible, such as gloves, goggles, etc.)
• Always wash hands with soap and warm water after working with chemicals.
• Know how to use emergency equipment prior to an actual emergency.
• Always Add Acid to water, never water to acid. (Remember ‘AAA’)
• Keep a spill kit in the darkroom.
• Do not use paper towels or saw dust to clean up acid spills as this may cause a fire.
• Pregnant women should not be exposed to powdered developer.
• Store all chemicals in locations that will minimize the chance of breakage and splashing.
• Label all containers.
• Keep all containers and trays closed or covered when not in use to prevent the release of toxic gases.
• Do not wash any chemicals down the sink (exceptions noted below).
  • All spent chemicals should be placed into an appropriate waste container. (A container the same as the one the chemical was originally shipped in is best).