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chemical safety sheets

angrykitty

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so my darkroom is THIS (-) close to bein' done

I'm trying to find some sort of general safety sheets to post for my roomates...

I've already found all the material safety data sheets from kodak, and poison control numbers for pets and people, but I need sort of a cover sheet that says what to do step by step in case of exposure to this or that...

In fact, even I don't even know if you're supposed to call poison control first or 911

anybody know of a good simple 'in case of emergency' fact sheet in regards to darkrooms? It's been amazingly hard to find on for some reason...
 
In the UK companies have to prepare a COSSH safety manual, I did one for the lab I ran, all the data is in the MSDS sheets.

You need to cover how to handle spillages, disposal, safe use & what precautions to take etc.

In a basic darkroom there's really nothing particularly hazardous, get a copy of Steve Anchell's 3rd Edition Developer Cookbook he has a chapter on safety & all you need to know.

Ian
 
angrykitty said:
In fact, even I don't even know if you're supposed to call poison control first or 911
Click to expand...

Always call 911 to get emergency help on the way.

You don't want to delay the arrival time of the paramedics or the ride to the hospital waiting for the poison control people to look something up.
 
angrykitty said:
anybody know of a good simple 'in case of emergency' fact sheet in regards to darkrooms? It's been amazingly hard to find on for some reason...
Click to expand...

It all depends on what chemicals you are using. If you are just using developer, stop, and fixer, there's really not a lot to worry about as long as you don't ingest them.

What about starting with this - bottom of page 1?
http://www.hawaii.edu/art/photography/206_handouts/206_Darkroom_Hazards.pdf

Or for more specifics:
http://www.overtonphoto.com/tech/safety.htm
 
Unless you do something really silly, like drink the stuff - most of B&W chemicals are pretty safe. You can touch them and nothing will happen. If you spill, they may stink but it won't do anything hazardous. Possible exceptions are toning chemicals.

Some household chemicals such as bleach and toilet bowl cleaners are far more dangerous than B&W chemicals.

Do you have small children or is this adult room mate?
 
One other point: MSDSes are remarkably inconsistent, depending on the source. You can find different MSDSes for the same substance, compiled by different organizations, which make the substance sound very different in overall danger. If you just want a reference in case of accidental ingestion or something, that may be OK, but I wouldn't recommend using them to assess the relative dangers of two substances, particularly if the MSDSes originated from different sources.
 
If you type in any photographic solution and MSDS in GOOGLE, you will get several MSDS sheets valid in the US. In some cases, you can get a special phone # to call in the US for aid.

PE
 
Photo Engineer said:
If you type in any photographic solution and MSDS in GOOGLE, you will get several MSDS sheets valid in the US. In some cases, you can get a special phone # to call in the US for aid.

PE
Click to expand...

I got the official kodak ones from the website for both concentrated and working solutions for every chemical, so I think I'm covered on those...
 


I had a friend once that gave paint thinner to a pet lizard to drink because the bottle wasn't labeled... just sayin!
 

4 roomates who know nothing about chemicals and 2 cats and a dog. It's mostly for them really, because its in a large shared utility type bathroom.
 
angrykitty said:
I had a friend once that gave paint thinner to a pet lizard to drink because the bottle wasn't labeled... just sayin!
Click to expand...

I once woke up in the middle of the night and grabbed the beaker on my nightstand and took a swig as I was thirsty. I was 14 and thought it would be cool to use lab glassware for drinking cups. As soon as I drank in some of the liquid, I noticed the sour taste and then realized I had left some dilute hydrochloric acid in that beaker. I spat it back into the beaker and then ran to the bathroom, rinsed my mouth out with water, and then brushed my teeth for the next 10 minutes or so.

That was the last time I used lab glassware as a drinking cup...
 

That is also while its not a good idea to use soda pop bottles for chemical storage.
 
fotch said:
That is also while its not a good idea to use soda pop bottles for chemical storage.
Click to expand...

Isn't it more to do with sensible separation of safe things and unsafe things - drink containers vs. 'poison' containers ?

I'd certainly agree is not wise to use soft-drinks bottles, carrying the original drinks label, having an unsealed cap and stored with your favourite beverage - but that level of problem is not actually caused by the container....
 
MartinP said:
I'd certainly agree is not wise to use soft-drinks bottles, carrying the original drinks label, having an unsealed cap and stored with your favourite beverage - but that level of problem is not actually caused by the container....
Click to expand...

Depends how well your little kids can read. Or, perhaps, it depends on how well you can read...
 
Angrykitty,

If this is your real concern, perhaps it is better for you to buy a lockable big plastic tub and store all of your chemicals in it. Not that I'm afraid your room mates will routinely mistake them for drinks but I'm guessing they (and you) have occasional guests. There is a possibility that they could mistake them for cleaning fluids or accidentally or purposely contaminate them. You just don't have any control when you aren't there to observe them. Either way, if something should happen, you may be held responsible. Or - your negatives can be ruined. Strangest things do happen.

I would suggest review/rethink storage of these chemicals in shared bathroom.... Having chemical safety sheet is to react after accidents have already taken place. I think, there is a way to prevent/minimize it from happening in the first place. You can buy a large plastic tub with flaps for top and holes to place a pad lock from home improvement stores.

** just my ideas to keep your friends and lizards safe....
 
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