Darkroom safety: handling chemicals with care

Darkroom safety is simple, and it matters every time. Black-and-white chemistry is not especially harsh, but you handle it often, sometimes for hours. Small habits protect your skin, your lungs and the drains. These are the rules we teach every new member on their first visit.

Protect your skin and eyes #

Wear nitrile gloves whenever your hands go near a tray or a tank. Some people react to developer after months of handling it bare-handed, and the reaction can last. Use tongs to move prints between trays. Wear glasses or goggles when you mix chemicals from powder or concentrate.

Keep the air moving #

Stop bath and fixer smell sharp for a reason. Open a window or run an extractor fan, and take a break outside if you work for a long session. Never mix chemicals in a closed cupboard.

Darkroom safety for storage and labels #

• Label every bottle with what it holds and the date you mixed it.
• Never use a drinks bottle or a food tub for chemicals. Someone will mistake it.
• Store chemicals out of reach of children and pets, away from food.
• Keep the safety data sheet for each product. The maker publishes one.

The UK Health and Safety Executive explains how to work safely with chemicals at work, and the same habits apply at home.

Dispose of used chemistry properly #

Used fixer holds dissolved silver, which harms water life. Collect it in a labelled container and take it to your local council's hazardous waste point. Ask your council what they accept. Small amounts of used developer and stop bath may be allowed down the drain with plenty of water, but check your local rules first.

Now you are ready to develop film at home. Members take a hands-on safety induction before their first darkroom booking.