Health & Saftey

HEALTH AND SAFTEY

WORKING WITH COMPUTERS

• No eating and drinking when working at a computer – danger of electrocution – fluids and
electricity.
• RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) – have arms at right angles to body and forearms supported,
elbows out and shoulders relaxed. Can use spongy wrist support on desk. Keep a
straight back (supported) and do not slouch.
• Eye Strain/headaches – take regular breaks every 30 mins. Remember to blink. Do not
go on a screen when it is dark – light screen in darkened room can lead to greater risk of
eye strain. Remember to change eye focus regularly.
• Posture – Do not cross legs. Keep blood flowing by moving regularly. Legs at right
angles, both feet flat on the floor.

 

CYBER BULLYING

• Cyber Bullying – do not accept a friend request from a stranger. Do not put personal
names on social networking sites.
• Use all privacy settings.
• Do not put contact details on social network sites, including phone number, addresses etc.
• Do not put problems on Facebook – keep it private by messaging privately.
• Be wary of fraudulent spams and report them.
• Nobody should ever ask you for bank details online.
• Report fake profiles and do not respond to insults. Block, report and verify.
• Trolling – do not react; block, report and verify.
• Bullying is unacceptable – plus such comments or behaviour would remain online forever.
• Frape – ensure you log off after every single session.
• Do not tell anyone your password, always password protect and vary your passwords.
• No illegal downloads, especially on college computers.
• Stranger Danger – do not meet or arrange to meet people that you do not know.

LOCATION PHOTOGRAPHY
GENERAL

• Have mobile phone with you, charged, with credit and with signal.
• Do not go out alone whenever possible.
• Let people know where you are going.
• Have photographic identification with you.
• Personal Hazards – threat awareness, look out for potential dangers e.g. bulls in fields

• being an easy target for muggers. 
• Watch your footing.
• take food and drink enough to last the period of time you will be out.  

SPATIAL AWARENESS

• Beware stepping into roads whilst walking backwards to frame a shot etc.
• Road safety – ensure that you are easily seen i.e. wear a ‘high-viz’ jacket etc.
• Do not cause an obstruction e.g. blocking a path with a tripod etc.
• Know your location and terrain – e.g. bogs, marshes.
• Beware loose footing or slippery rocks on location.
• Remember to sign in to reception when photographing in a building.
• Be aware of fire safety procedures if in a building.

 
PERMISSION

• Ask permission if you aim to photograph people on location.
• Ask permission to take photographs if you are on private property – avoid being accused
of trespassing.
• For security and safeguarding reasons you cannot photograph without express
permission: banks, jewellers, military/police bases, schools, children and playgrounds.
• You cannot take photographs in privately run places e.g. Drake Circus without acquiring
permission beforehand.

CHANGING ENVIRONMENT

• Be aware of changing environments – weather and tides – buy Tide Tables.
• Wear appropriate clothing for heat or cold e.g. sunscreen or warm, wet-proof clothes.
• Ensure a means to tie long hair back out of own eyes and camera lens.
• Take all precautions to avoid getting lost on location e.g. maps etc.

PHOTOGRAPHIC KIT

• Make sure you lift, or carry kit correctly. Bend your knees and not your back when you
intend lifting your kit.
• Distribute the weight evenly by using a backpack. Keep a straight posture, evenly
balanced.
• Do not leave kit unattended or exposed to elements e.g. rain.
• Stow kit properly when travelling.

TRANSPORT

• Make sure that you have all your equipment with you when getting off public transport i.e.
do not leave kit behind.
• Know public transport timetables before starting journey.
• Take designated routes/paths, familiarise with your directions before setting out.
• Make sure the transport is adequate for the kit and number of persons going.
• Always have a Plan B - contingency plan regarding return transport.