Health and safety in the studio

There are a certain amount of health and safety considerations to take in to account when using a photographic studio or using photographic equipment. Most of the work will take place in a darkened room so there are a number of dangers lurking for the unsuspecting photographer

Trip Hazards

Here are various trip hazards in and around the studio, these include:

-Tripods and lighting stands:

These are very easy to trip over and which cannot be seen easily in a darkened room. Some have long booms with large counter weights on their ends. Be careful not to bang you heads and be weary of low positioned lighting heads

1) Trailing power cables, leads and extension blocks: Again easy to trip over and carrying very high voltages. Tape cables to the floor where possible with warning or hazard tape

2) High voltage Flash and lighting heads: These units which produce the lighting in the studio can become extremely hot due to there high power outputs. The side casings of these units can become very hot; handle them with care. Do not hang or drape coats, shirts etc. over lighting/flash heads. This could overheat the lighting and produce a fire risk

3) Strobe lighting and flash: Be sure to warn people accompanying you into the studio that there may be a risk that the flashing lighting in the studio may trigger of epileptic fits

4) Water and liquids: Be extremely careful if using liquids and water within a photographic studio. Liquids and high voltage electricity don't mix. Always use dry hands when using any electrical equipment within the studio

5) Fire extinguishers: Make sure you know the location of the fire extinguishers within the room. Make sue you know the right kind of extinguisher to use on a fire. There are different extinguishers for different kinds of fires