Workplace Health and Safety (WHS), also known as Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) or Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in some countries, plays a crucial role in the conservation of films.

The processes involved in film preservation often require conservators to work with potentially hazardous materials, tools, and physical tasks that may result in injuries or long-term health issues.

This section explores the evolution of health and safety practices in film preservation, comparing historical methods with contemporary advancements to ensure both the safety of workers and the preservation of the material.

Past methods

Historically, health and safety in the field of film conservation were handled reactively. Many practices were based on trial and error, and safety protocols were often underdeveloped or informal, relying mainly on personal experience rather than systematic hazard identification and risk assessment.

Hazard identification and risk assessment

In the early days of film preservation, hazard identification was often based on common sense or anecdotal evidence.

Archives and conservators did not have standardised systems for assessing risks. This was a time when conservators were learning the best practices for handling archival films without comprehensive formal training in safety (Carmichael et al., 2020).

A hazard checklist may have been loosely compiled, but it was seldom based on a formalised risk assessment model. Consequently, risks such as exposure to chemicals, repetitive strain injuries, and accidents involving the physical handling of film were not systematically addressed.

Chemical safety and hazard communication

A significant risk in early film conservation practices was the exposure to solvents, cleaning agents, and film degradation products. Many of these chemicals were toxic, flammable, or harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.

However, the safety data for many of these chemicals were rudimentary or absent, and often, workers had limited access to safety protocols (Birnbaum & Sweeney, 2020).

In the absence of proper labelling and Safety Data Sheets (SDS), workers had to rely on basic protective measures, such as ventilation or wearing gloves, without a comprehensive understanding of long-term health effects.

The lack of standardised hazard communication meant that unsafe work practices were often normalised, creating ongoing health risks.

Manual handling and ergonomics

Early practices did not prioritise ergonomics, and the manual handling of film was primarily based on individual conservators' habits. Film preservation involves repetitive tasks such as winding film reels, assessing damage, and repairing fragile materials.

Historically, workers engaged in these tasks for long periods without proper ergonomic adjustments, often resulting in musculoskeletal injuries like repetitive strain injuries and back pain.

There was little understanding of how posture, workstation design, and repetitive movements contributed to these issues (Hyun & Lee, 2021).

Workspaces were generally not designed with ergonomics in mind, leading to physical strain for conservators.

Modern methods

Today, film preservation is approached with a systematic, scientifically based focus on minimising risk and ensuring the health and safety of all involved in the conservation process.

Advances in WHS practices, driven by greater awareness of potential hazards and improved safety technologies, have dramatically reduced workplace injuries and enhanced the quality of preservation.

Systematic hazard identification and risk management

Modern film conservation workplaces rely heavily on formalised risk assessment procedures that systematically identify, analyse, and mitigate hazards. Institutions utilise structured systems to assess potential risks, ranging from chemical exposure to ergonomic strains, and implement controls to mitigate these risks.

Risk assessments now follow detailed protocols that comply with both local and international standards (Lucas et al., 2021).

Regular safety audits are conducted to ensure that each hazard is addressed with appropriate preventive measures. The continuous updating of risk management strategies ensures that the latest information is always applied. These procedures make it easier to protect both staff and the materials they work with.

Safety Data Sheets and hazard communication

One of the most significant advancements in film conservation over the last few decades is the formalised use of SDS. The Globally Harmonised System (GHS) standards, implemented since the early 2010s, ensure that every chemical used in conservation processes is appropriately labelled, classified, and accompanied by comprehensive safety data (United Nations, 2020).

These SDS provide detailed information on chemical properties, health risks, and safe handling practices, thereby reducing the likelihood of mishandling hazardous materials. Additionally, SDS requires manufacturers to update safety information regularly, ensuring that staff have access to the most current data.

The implementation of standardised safety protocols ensures a consistent level of safety across institutions, regardless of location, making hazardous work conditions far less common.

Training and ergonomics

Modern practices emphasise the need for comprehensive training programs that not only focus on film conservation techniques but also ensure that workers are well-versed in health and safety protocols.

Training programs now routinely include education on chemical safety, proper ergonomics, and emergency response strategies. Ergonomics is a central aspect of current practices, with dedicated efforts to design workstations and equipment to reduce physical strain. Adjustable-height workbenches, ergonomic seating, and custom tools are now standard in many film conservation environments (Davis et al., 2020).

Training also includes instruction on recognising the early signs of strain or injury, and staff are encouraged to report any health issues early to prevent further damage.

Modern equipment and tools

Modern conservation equipment has dramatically improved the ergonomics of film preservation. Automated film winders, fume hoods, and state-of-the-art cleaning tools minimise the physical effort required for tasks, improving both conservator safety and preservation quality. Powered film winders, for example, help reduce manual effort during the winding process, lowering the risk of repetitive strain injuries (Meyer et al., 2021).

Similarly, specialised tools such as fume hoods and extraction systems have made handling hazardous chemicals far safer by removing harmful fumes from the workspace. These developments help conservators focus on the task at hand without the constant threat of chemical exposure or physical injury.

Chemical hazards

Historically, the most significant chemical hazards in film conservation have been related to the use of solvents and exposure to film degradation products. Conservators often worked without sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) and in poorly ventilated spaces with minimal ventilation.

Inadequate risk communication about chemical toxicity, exposure limits, and necessary PPE meant that conservators had limited knowledge of the long-term health risks associated with these chemicals (Anderson & Rodriguez, 2020).

Many chemicals used in the preservation process were not well understood, and workers had little formal guidance on how to manage exposure.

Today, chemical hazards are addressed with a more thorough and informed approach. SDS for all chemicals ensures that conservators are fully informed of the risks, safe handling techniques, and emergency procedures.

Ventilation systems such as fume hoods and extraction fans are routinely used to remove toxic fumes, ensuring that the risk of exposure is minimised. The shift toward safer chemicals, such as those that are less toxic or flammable, has further reduced the overall risk to conservators (Brouard et al., 2021).

Additionally, modern PPE, such as HEPA filter masks and gloves designed to withstand exposure to chemicals, ensures that conservators are adequately protected.

Conclusion

The evolution of WHS in film preservation has transformed the profession, shifting from a reactive, individualised approach to a proactive, systematic framework.

Today, the combination of formal risk assessments, standardised safety protocols, and advanced safety equipment ensures that film conservators are better protected than ever before.

As the field continues to evolve, safety practices are expected to grow more sophisticated, incorporating emerging technologies and a deeper understanding of human health and environmental risks.

This focus on WHS not only protects conservators but also helps ensure the long-term preservation of valuable cultural heritage for future generations.