a. If you are using a portable laboratory, make sure the case is sealed with tape when not in use.
Remove the equipment just before you have to use it.
(1) Try to use a room or tent that is shaded from direct sunlight. High temperatures can cause
problems when processing film and paper.
(2) If you set up in a building or tent with a floor, do NOT sweep the floor before processing. This
will only stir up dust and sand and probably ruin your print due to scratches and dust marks (spots).
(3) Use canned air or an air syringe along with a camel's hair brush to clean the lenses and film
holders. Use the same techniques as when cleaning a camera lens.
(4) Open the tanks and chemistry just prior to processing. Keep all chemical containers closed or
covered.
b. Lenses must be cleaned as required. This may be done hourly or even more often.
c. Enlarger film carriers and negatives must be cleaned for every frame.
d. Processing tanks must be covered when not in use. Sand in the processing tanks could scratch the
film, rendering it useless.
e. Every piece of equipment in the laboratory must have a cover. If not, sand and dust can ruin it.
3.
Mobile laboratories such as the ES-82A are vans which can be closed to keep most of the sand and dust
out. However, some sand will always enter the laboratory.
a. Shade the shelter from the direct sun. A camouflage net works very well.
b. Operate the air conditioner, but remember to cover the outside of the air conditioner when it is not
being used. This will help keep out sand and dust.
c. Operate the space heater (without heat) to help ventilate the laboratory.
d. Keep the doors closed except when entering and exiting the laboratory.
e. Set up a schedule of shift changes and make sure the unit standing operating procedure (SOP)
provides for absolute minimum entry and exit from the laboratory by personnel.
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