Health & Safety - Photography

Health & Safety

Darkroom

Safe working practices when working in a darkroom:

1. The use of personal Protective equipment - Gloves, masks, goggles, tongues etc

2. Free from obstructions to avoid, slip, trips and falls

3. Correct ventilation

4. First Aid Kit to include Eye wash

5. Chemicals clearly labelled and stored correctly to conform with COSHH regulations

COSHH - The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 

In Layman's terms what this means is that every substance we use that could cause any kind of danger to us needs to be labelled properly, used as intended and stored correctly.

Substances used at work that can cause ill health if handled correctly will not or almost never do so.

Substances can cause ill health through, breathing in, skin contact, swallowing, getting into eyes.

All substances that are harmful have some form of symbol on them, it is imperative when dealing with chemicals that you are aware of what symbols mean what. The 10 main symbols are toxic, very toxic, harmful, irritant, highly flammable, extremely flammable, explosive, dangerous to the environment, oxidising, and corrosive.

Any risks should be identified and controled

The Provision and use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998)

To ensure that work equipment is suitable for the purpose that is intended and that it is used correctly so as not to pose any health and safety threat to oneself or others.

All portable appliances must be PAT tested annually to ensure they are safe for work, the test will include ensuring correct fuses are used, cables are not frayed or damaged, and that it is earthed and the plug wired correctly.

If ladders are to be used, correct training must be given.

Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992

Working with VDU's can cause a range of health problems but good working practice and design can prevent most.

Headaches caused by screen glare can be reduced by adding a screen filter to the screen. Regular breaks must be taken away from the VDU. Correct posture and chair height to prevent back pain.

Chairs must be adjustable and suitable lighting available

When using a laptop ensure you are sitting comfortably and angle the screen to see clearly and take regular breaks and when possible place on a hard surface at the right height to use the keyboard correctly.

Employers have to:

Analyse workstations and do a risk assessment

Ensure workstations meet minimum requirements

Changes in activity and regular breaks

arrange eye tests

provide health and safety training