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Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation in Photographic Processing Facilities • J-314(ENG) 9
The level of airborne contamination
generated from photographic
processing solutions can be affected
by how the processing equipment is
operated. It is important to follow
the manufacturer’s recommended
operating procedures for operating
temperature, the agitation of
processing solutions, and
processing speeds.
In addition, draining and flushing
processing equipment tanks with
cold water prior to rack removal or
maintenance operations can also be
effective at controlling short-term
exposures to processing solutions.
The health, comfort, and
efficiency of personnel, as well as the
proper conditions for processing,
handling and storage of
photographic materials depends on
a suitable indoor air environment.
Modern ventilation techniques
include several factors: air supply,
air movement; air distribution; air
conditioning or control of
temperature and humidity; air
pressure adjustment; and air
cleaning or filtration. If you plan a
photographic plant of considerable
size, consult a ventilation and air
conditioning engineer as early as
possible in the planning stages. If the
designer has the opportunity to
make suggestions in the early stages
of planning, the result may be a
better overall design, and lower
installation and operating costs.
PROPER OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE OF
PHOTOGRAPHIC
PROCESSING EQUIPMENT
Figure 5
Enclosed-machine
ventilation
In addition, it is important to
follow the processing equipment
manufacturer’s recommendations
regarding venting of the dryer
section of the processor. Whenever
possible, dryer vents should be
ducted to the outdoors to prevent
the build up of excessive
temperature and humidity in the
workplace.
Install all local exhaust systems
that vent to the outdoors in
accordance with local, state, and
federal regulations.
100 cfm
Exhaust to Outdoors
90 cfm
Supply Fresh Air
Covers on photographic processing
equipment and chemical storage
tanks can effectively minimize the
amount of gases, vapors or mists
that may enter the work area. In
addition, covers also reduce the
potential for contamination of the
processing solutions. Covers should
be fabricated from durable, non-
reactive materials and should cover
as much of the open surface of the
tank as possible. In many cases,
effective tank covers combined with
good general room ventilation, and
proper operation and maintenance
may be all that is needed to control
odors and airborne exposure to
photographic processing chemicals.
In situations where local exhaust is
needed for a covered tank, 25 - 30
cubic feet per minute (cfm) per
square foot of tank area is adequate.
Work practices controls:
• Proper operation and
maintenance of photographic
processing equipment;
• Prudent techniques for handling
chemicals.
EFFECTIVE COVERS FOR
PROCESSING EQUIPMENT
AND CHEMICAL STORAGE
TANKS