Safety

Please be safe when you are photographing and working in the lab. We don't want anything to happen to you!

These are just a few of the safety suggestions you need to remember....

Safety Rules

It is better to be overly cautious rather than to overlook an unsafe condition. You never know when being cautious has prevented an accident but there is always a consequence if you have not; damage has been done or someone has been hurt. Therefore, it is good training to become aware of what you can do to prevent unsafe conditions that may result in accidents. It is easy to talk about safety, but it really hurts when your best friend is injured because of your carelessness or lack of attention to an unsafe condition.

There is a fire extinguisher on the wall by the hallway to the darkroom.

Fire Safety

• When you hear a fire alarm, drop everything you are doing and leave the classroom in an orderly line. Walk together out to the fields behind the gymnasium. The teacher will meet you there to take roll.

Electrical Safety

• Never touch electrical outlets with wet hands.
• Do not allow any electrical devise to fall into or connect with water: electrocution could occur.
• The teacher sets temperature dials for the presses. Know the correct settings and do not turn them up. There is a danger of fire occurring when paper gets too hot.

Water Safety

• Wet floors are slippery and dangerous. Notify teacher when water has been spilled. There is a mop in the darkroom to wipe up spills. Evacuate the darkroom if water spills on the floor and turn on the lights until the water has been cleaned up and the floor is dry.

Chemical Safety
• A violent reaction will occur if you add water to acid. Always add acid to water.
• Wear gloves or tongs when working with chemicals.
• Avoid splashing when pouring chemicals- use safety goggles and gloves when handling concentrated chemicals.
• Do not eat or drink in the photo room.

Tool and Equipment Safety
• Receive instruction on the proper use of a machine or tool before using it.
• Keep the paper cutter blade down when not in use.
• The mounting pressed and tacking irons are hot – be careful. Keep the tacking irons in the metal trays and do not let the iron touch the electrical cord. The dry mount press should not be set above 225°.
• Do not lean on or trip over equipment or cords.
• The light table is made of glass. Do not lean or place heavy materials like books on it.
• When passing a scissors or Exacto knife to another person, pass it carefully with the point toward the floor.

Camera Safety
• It is easy to forget what you are doing when you are trying to make a good picture. Always be aware of your surroundings and where you are stepping.
• Keep the strap around your neck or wrist. When passing a camera to someone else, make sure that they have a firm grip on it before you let go.
• Never put a camera close to an edge where it can fall off.

Darkroom Safety
• Only 12 people can be in the darkroom at a time.
• You cannot see very well under the safelights. Be extra careful when working in the darkroom.

Individual Safety
• Always walk in the photo room and darkroom. Running is dangerous.
• There is no horseplay or fooling around allowed. It is childish and unproductive.
• Report any accidents or injuries to the teacher immediately.
• If a student is injured while you are out of the classroom, get help immediately. If necessary, go into the closest classroom available and ask the teacher there to call security.

Professional Behavior
• Report any unsafe situations to the teacher immediately.
• Report any student misbehavior that would jeopardize class privileges to the teacher.
• All trash should be in the proper container after clean-up time.
• Be responsible for cleaning up after you as well as helping get the classroom in order as well.
• Take your photo paper, negatives, prints, portfolio, books, etc. with you when you leave the class.

Driving Safety
• Never risk your safety for a photograph! IT IS NOT WORTH IT! Be a safe driver.