Darkroom Information
Darkroom Health and Safety
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- No food or drink is allowed in the darkrooms due to inhalation of chemicals.
- Always wash hands thoroughly after handing the chemistry. Hands must be clean and dry as to not contaminate film and paper.
- Use printing tongs when processing paper, this prevents chemicals coming into direct contact with your skin. Use different tongs for each try of chemistry to avoid cross contamination.
- Disposable gloves are kept in the darkrooms for use if required.
- Chemistry is prone to staining clothing, aprons are kept in the darkrooms should you wish to borrow them.
- Please keep darkrooms clean and tidy. Take with you or throw way anything that can be classed as rubbish (i.e. test strips)
- There are WET and DRY areas, these areas have been labelled.
- Wet test strips and prints must only be taken into the processing room with an inspection tray. Always return the trays to underneath the sink.
- There are paper towels in all the darkrooms, please use them to the clean up any spillages.
- Wash equipment after used, ready for the next person to use.
- Never mix acidic chemistry (Stop and Fixer) with alkaline chemistry as this will give off sulphur dioxide vapour which is dangerous if inhaled.
- Make sure all light omitting objects are switched off when in the darkroom, this prevents light leakage.
- Use the correct doors for entering and leaving the darkroom, thus avoiding light leakage and safety risks.
- Dispose of film developers in the plastic container’s provided – labelled USED 1D11, USED KODAK TMAX and USED C41.
- Test strips and fibre based paper must not be put through the dryer.
- Bags, clothing and any other items must be places underneath the enlarger benches to avoid trips.
- Goggles must be worn at all times when handling chemistry.
- Eye wash stations are provided in all of the darkrooms.
- No one is allowed in the darkroom apart from photography/art students who have had an induction.
- You must gain permission from Jo Garrett (VB114 Photography Technician) before using any of your own chemistry or processes