What rules should I set for the Darkroom?

[Tom Stanworth]

I am so pleased to hear of what you are doing. I hope to be able to do the same when I have settled somewhere. Analogue work is a different world and a very welcome one in light of the digitisation of the world, cubes in offices etc

 

[benjiboy]

One safety rule I haven't seen mentioned yet is never to touch the enlarger with two hands at the same time, they are not usually earthed ( grounded) to avoid an electric shock.

 

[Jeff Kubach]

One safety rule I haven't seen mentioned yet is never to touch the enlarger with two hands at the same time, they are not usually earthed ( grounded) to avoid an electric shock.

So that's what happen to me!

Jeff

 

[benjiboy]

So that's what happen to me!

Jeff

That's right Jeff, electric shock treatment

 

[removed-user-1]

Lori, Here is one rule presented to us by the Dean of Women at the teacher's college I attended in the early 1960s when we finally got a darkroom. I am not making this up. "At least three students in the darkroom at all times; two must be of the same gender."

Sounds like a rule the advisor of one school paper I worked at (not saying which) imposed in the 1990s! They don't have a darkroom anymore though.

 

[glockman99]

I never even though of the bathroom thing! Good plan makeing them go 1st!...

Along that same line, post a sign saying "No peeing in the chemical trays"..(You did say, as young as 10 years-old, didn't you?.).

 

[Doug9345]

I have a couple of thoughts. I think you could have them "help" you make up the rules. You should get a lot of buy in that way. The other thought is are you sure that you want to close yourself alone in an unlighted room with one or two youngsters in this day and age. I'd be surprised if 4H doesn't have rules against it. I'd always have an unrelated adult "assistant" with me. It's not that I'm saying anything will happen but all it takes is one person with an agenda to make it get very ugly. It's a sad state of affairs, but one that needs to be thought about.

 

[lorirfrommontana]

I guess I never thought of this. I'm a parent of one of the kids, 2 others are a freinds kids. I guess we all know eachother well and they teach my kids in some of the projects and vice versa. If I did not know a child and family personally I guess I would ask their parents to get involved. Parents will be invited any way even if I do know them! Parental involvement is really big in our club and I would be more comfortable having their parents there learning also. I guess you do have to think of these things. I really appreciate all the advice and I have a list made out. I will add that parents are always welcome and encouraged to come along to the list! My daughter will always be there also. Thanks again. I have a couple of days off and plan on getting that darkroom finished finally! When you all see how small it is you'll wonder what took so long!
Lori