Health & Safety

Everyone needs to be health and safety aware in all jobs and just general day to day life. We are always risk assessing in everything we do.

 

In this post I will explain what I know about being able to use photographic media, techniques and technology safely.

 

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH)

 

When shooting in film, a darkroom and different kinds of chemicals are required to develop the negatives. When using these chemicals, you need to be aware of COSHH (Control of substances hazardous to health) and the COSHH logos. All chemical containers should be labelled with COSHH symbols that identify how hazardous they are; whether they are an irritant, harmful, toxic etc. Understanding these symbols are important so that you can take the right precautions when using them.

 

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998

 

Because I shoot in digital, I need to be aware of the health & safety regulations of the use of work equipment.

 

• PAT testing must be up to date and done annually. This is a test to ensure that electrical equipment is safe for use.
• If working in a studio and ladders are required, they must only be used by people who have received adequate training to use them safely.



 

Display Screen Equipment (DSE)

 

 

With digital photography, a computer is required for editing. Computer workstations or equipment can be associated with neck, shoulder, back or arm pain, as well as with fatigue and eyestrain, therefor health and safety regulations need to be taken when using one.

 

• screen glare - the screen shouldn't be too bright
• the chair should be able to be adjusted to help with posture, preventing strain on the back or arms
• you should look away from the screen at least once every 15 minutes to prevent eyestrain and headaches
• ergonomic wrist rests should be used to prevent strain on the wrist

 

 

Risk assessment

 

In all workplaces, risks must be assessed. To carry out a risk assessment you must;

 

• identify any hazards
• decide who might be harmed and how
• evaluate risks and decide on precautions
• record your findings and implement them
• review assessment regularly and update If needed

 

Here is a basic risk assessment I have conducted for working in a portrait studio:

 

• wires for lighting equipment - these could be a tripping hazard to adults and children so can be taped down to the floor
• studio lights are heavy and would be dangerous should it fall on somebody - should have a weight at the bottom making it harder to be knocked over
• plug sockets - children will be in the studio and could possibly try to tamper with plug sockets so should have a protective socket cover when not in use
• lights can get hot and can burn - make sure they are out of reach of children
• some light modifiers can be sharp such as barn doors - keep away from children
• rooms with lighting equipment that can be sharp or dangerous if they fall on someone - lock doors where equipment is kept