Required Chemical Safety Lectures
The college requires all students complete a chemical safety lecture the first term they are enrolled in any studio visual arts class each year before they are granted access to studio art facilities. You will be informed as to the date, time, and place of these lectures at the beginning of each term. In addition, more specific chemical safety information will be given in class concerning the use of photography chemicals and all safety issues.

Personal Chemical Exposure Prevention
Rubber gloves are supplied to all students in Photo I. These gloves are for use any term you take a photography class. These gloves should be used at all times when working in the photography labs. Additional gloves, goggles, and aprons can also be found in all photo labs.

MSDS Sheets
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) can be found in rooms 201 (near light switch), 203 (near drying racks), and 205 (near drying racks). All MSDS binders contain information for every chemical in use in the photo labs.

Emergency Phones
There are two emergency phones linked directly to security in the photography area located in rooms 201 (Film Developing) and 202 (Enlarging Room). In the case of emergency, these phones may be used to alert security of the problem without dialing or speaking. Once the phones are lifted off their cradle, security will immediately be notified of the location of the call and directly send an officer.

The emergency phone number at Union College is (518) 388-6911.

Building Hours
The visual arts building is open 8:30 AM - 11:00 PM. After 11 PM no one is allowed to work in the darkrooms alone for safety reasons.

Ventilation
There is high quality ventilation provided in all photography areas: rooms 201, 202, and 205. It is required that these ventilation units be used whenever working with any chemical.

Emergency Eyewash
There is an emergency eyewash located in room 202 (the print enlarging darkroom) to be used if you get chemicals in your eyes. To operate the eyewash simply turn the faucet on and pull the eyewash switch out.

Liquid Spills
Any liquids spills must be cleaned immediately. There is concern for students slipping and falling and/or coming in contact with electrical items.

Cutting
There are Rotatrim paper cutters located in the print finishing room (room 203), the print enlarging darkroom (room 202) and the classroom (room 206). These trimmers are very safe to use. Matte knifes/utility knives are not left out for general use. Consult the lab tech if needed.

Fire Safety
There are two fire extinguishers located in the hallway outside room 202 and a fire alarm located outside room 203. These items should be used in case of a fire emergency. If a fire alarm goes off, turn off all water and leave the building.

Compiled by Professor Martin Benjamin and Photo Lab Technician Michael Mosall