This document outlines various health and safety considerations for photography techniques. It notes that all electrical equipment must be PAT tested at least once a year to ensure it will not harm staff. Improper use of lighting stands, power cables, strobe lighting, and other equipment presents fire, electric shock, and burn hazards. Proper safety precautions, equipment maintenance, and clothing are emphasized.

1. Health & Safety Considerations
Unit 09 - Photography Techniques

2. UK PAT Testing
• PAT Testing is an essential
aspect of a company’s
health & safety policy to
ensure that staff aren’t
harmed by any electrical
equipment within a
business premises.
At least once a year, all
electrical devices must be
PAT tested.
DO NOT USE ANY ELECTRICAL
EQUIPMENT THAT HAS NOT
BEEN PAT TESTED or FAILED
ITS TEST.

3. UK PAT Testing
For more information, visit:
Website Links:
– http://www.pat-testing.info/
– http://www.uksafetymanagement.co.uk/
Video:
– http://youtu.be/JZ_cA9VrR7I - What is PAT Testing
– http://youtu.be/u_EZ4Ta4PEU - Portable Appliance Testing
– http://youtu.be/4AURsKb0d74 - Introduction to PAT Testing

4. Tripod / Lighting Stands
• Always use the correct
lighting stand for the
photographic lighting
you are using. The
wrong stand could
cause injury to you and
your equipment!
• Do not over reach/raise
the lighting stand, this
can cause the stand to
tip over.

5. Tripod / Lighting Stands
For more information, visit:
Website Links:
– http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2012/06/18/how-to-use-a-
tripod-the-right-way-to-set-up-and-features-you-need/
– http://jbrittphoto.blogspot.co.uk/2007/09/so-now-you-know-what-
methods-you-can.html
– http://www.cjballphotography.org.uk/safety-article.htm
Video:
– http://youtu.be/CX8ClsvvD3M - Tripod
– http://youtu.be/fmun24kwleM - Lighting

6. Power Cables
• Always uncoil all electricity
cables, do not leave them
wound on any storage
spool. If you do this the
coiled cable gets hot and
there is a serious risk of fire.
• Tape down cables using
strong ' gaffer ' tape. This
prevents people tripping up
on loose cabling.
• Do not over load electricity
supply/circuit

7. Power Cables
For more information, visit:
Website Links:
– http://annasworkbook.tumblr.com/healthandsafety
– http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg231.pdf
– http://www.movingimageeducation.org/create/production/producti
on-department/health-safety
Video:
– http://youtu.be/VOcq23UgeRI - Cabling
– http://youtu.be/53zIFGNzUDA - Hazards with Cables
Interactive:
– http://www.hsasafetygame.ie/

8. High Voltage Flash & Lighting Heads
• Please remember that
photographic lights, can get very
hot. Do not over balance them. If
they fall onto a model, for
example, they can cause horrific
burns to skin.
• If lights fall whilst unattended
there is a serious risk of fire.
• If adjusting ' barn-doors ' etc. on
tungsten lighting ALWAYS use
protective gloves.
• After you have finished, allow the
lighting equipment to cool down
before moving.
Roughly 10-20mins

9. For more information, visit:
Website Links:
– http://www.pcs.org.uk/en/resources/health_and_safety/hazardsatoz
/lighting.cfm
– http://www.rhul.ac.uk/mediaarts/documents/pdf/lighting.pdf
Video:
– http://youtu.be/rq0Pyv_n6Uc - Lighting Equipment
– http://youtu.be/NNA5-FMhBYo - Lighting Tutorial
High Voltage Flash & Lighting Heads

10. Strobe Lighting & 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.
• Don't look directly into the
light because the lights are
very powerful.
• The bulbs are very
expensive and break easily
so you should take when
handling.

11. For more information, visit:
Website Links:
– http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090302091425AAr
52vQ
– http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2010/aug/05/tv-matters-
flash-photography-epilepsy
– http://www.epilepsy.org.uk/info/photosensitive-epilepsy
Video:
– http://youtu.be/iOs6nLfPeco - Photography Dangers
– http://youtu.be/FxgjYLcDvHg - Epilepsy
Strobe Lighting & Flash

12. Colour Gels
• Colour Gels attached to
lighting heads can get
very hot and even melt
the plastic sheets.
This is very dangerous
as it leave a nasty odour
and worse; cause a fire.

13. 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.
• Beware of slippery
surfaces and wet floors.

14. Fire Extinguisher
• Make sure you know
the location of the fire
extinguishers within the
room. Make sure you
know the right kind of
extinguisher to use on a
fire. There are different
extinguishers for
different kinds of fires.
We (Harrow College) would use the dry
powder extinguisher in our studio here
at college as this is the correct
extinguisher to put out an electrical fire.

15. Telephone / Mobile Phone
• Make sure you have access
to a telephone or mobile
phone while using the
studio.
Sometimes the studio door
may be locked or restricted
for people entering the
studio while a shoot is
taking place.
If an accident was to occurs
the use of a telephone is
essential.
Always notify people that
you are using the studio.

16. Equipment
• Even camera’s need to cool
down!
Do not forget to remove
batteries; no matter what
type they are from the
digital still camera. The acid
within the battery can leak
and ruin/damage your
camera.
• Maintaining all equipment
in good working order ready
for use.

17. For more information, visit:
Website Links:
– http://www.healthandsafetytips.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=
25097
– http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101206064313AAC
MjL0
– http://www.ricoh.com/r_dc/photostyle/knowledge/preparation/mai
ntenance.html
Video:
– http://youtu.be/sI7_Sb8JEvU - Digital Camera Basics
– http://youtu.be/iNQrbj3z5Eo - Looking your camera lenses
Equipment

18. Adequate Safety Clothing
• Dependent on what you
are shooting and what
location, use adequate
safety clothing such as
high visibility vests, hard
hats, and safety boots to
suit on location.
• Beware of slippery
surfaces and wet floors
on location. Wear the
correct footwear for the
job in hand.