photography people - are dark rooms & chemicals ok?

[oggybags]

hi bit random I know
I do night school in photography and we're about to start on dark room / developing stuff - it envolves all sorts of chemicals, anyone know if this is ok, not sure its something MW will know anything about...
thanks

I did photography at uni, when I was pg I wasn't allowed to use the dark room or any chemicals. However, this was because the university had to cover themselves - I presume this could make them potentially liable in the event of any problems. I'm not sure if the chemicals are actually unsafe - tbh I would presume they are fine, esp if you were to wear gloves. I'd still recommend checking with someone though, as I'm def no professional!. You should probably also inform the school you are attending, just incase they're not happy for you to be around the chemicals.

I did a City and Guilds in Photography a few years ago at night classes. One of the girls in the class was pg and looked into this and carried on using the chemicals, but wearing gloves.

Sorry to confuse!

There used to be some info on the Ilford website, but I am not sure if Ilford still even exist.

I havn't had a look through these, but Ilford H&S data sheets here:

Ilford

I am 17 weeks and taught photography, dark room yesterday, I think its fine as not too regular? How often you in the darkroom, I am only in once a week as I teach Visual Arts & Design not just photography. If you are going to be in everyday I would do some research.

If this was part of your job you would need to do a risk assessment on it.

the dark room should not be a problem as long as you take precautions to avoid slips trips and spillages.

the chemicals however I am not sure about. the college should know as they will have to have safety info on hand for all chemicals and equipment. you should let them know as if there was a problem they could/would be liable.

thanks everyone will let college know soon anyway, they can risk assess me if necessary! x