Covering trays (was Re: Liquid light)
Pollmeier Klaus (100561.2417@compuserve.com)
12 Jan 96 15:29:48 EST
Somebody mentioned to cover the trays in the darkroom to avoid irritating fumes
beeing inhaled by the worker. I definitely cannot advise to do this! The workers
irritation indicates that air condition und these circumstances in insufficient
for him. If those fumes cannot be pulled away by some kind ventilating system,
working with these chemicals should be stopped. Maybe for a tray of hypo, this
is not such a serious problem but there are other, more dangerous fumes that can
accumulate in the covered tray. This accumulation can be avoided by a swimming
lid only.
I once covered a big tray of 5% sodium bisulfite with a peace of plexiglas over
night. When I lifted the plexiglas the next morning to continue, I inhaled the
cloud of now concentrated gas (what was it, Luis? You told me to be careful...).
The effect was that within seconds my lungs were paralysed and I had
difficulties to get out of my lab and reach open air. It took half an hour to
recover. A terrible feeling that I wish to nobody. I now do the clearing outside
or use less dangerous chemicals.
Klaus Pollmeier