Protective measures for Pyrocat HD?

[Kleiny41]

I just received my first batch of Pyrocat HD in glycol and ordered a respirator and rubber smock. I also have eye protection. Do regular pyro users take this measures?


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[bob carnie]

No - respirator, no smock , no eye protection

[Mark Sampson]

I've been using PMK and nowadays, Pyrocat HD, in my personal work for almost 25 years. The hazardous part of pyro developers comes from ingesting dust from the dry pyrogallol chemical, a problem not found with the liquid concentrate. I use gloves and a lab coat, but then I do that for all my darkroom work. I suppose eye protection is good, too, but I wear glasses anyway, so they have served that purpose.
Of course care in handling any/all photo chemistry is always good practice, for a variety of reasons.
If you can find a copy of Gordon Hutchings' "The Book of Pyro", you'll find more in-depth information; perhaps also at Sandy King's pyrocat-hd.com site.

[Kleiny41]

Thank you so much! I’ve been so worried about using it. My fear is now relieved. Thanks again!


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[Jim Galli]

No - respirator, no smock , no eye protection

X3 I mix my own from dry powders and don't use this stuff, and like the famous line in Smoke Smoke Smoke That Cigarette, "I ain't dead yet"

[bob carnie]

In Liquid form I use PMK since its inception, though I use no protection , I am very careful with measurement, mixing and usage. I started without using gloves, I think we all wanted the cool black fingernails that Brett Weston had, but once I started noticing red blotches on the backs of my hands I switched and any time I handle wet chemicals it is with gloves on... (most times anyways)

[esearing]

Nitrile gloves - And I wear the vinyl apron anytime in the darkroom to reduce stained clothing. I only seem to splash if not wearing protective gear.

[Drew Wiley]

Nitrile gloves, always, for all darkroom chem, toxic or not. Clear goggles might be nice if you're prone to splashing. I'm not. There is big fume hood over my sink, so that potential issue is taken care of; plus a flexible fume hose which I can suspend over beakers when I am especially paranoid about mixing something. Mainly common sense. Read MSDS sheets; and I assume most of us have had a basic High School chemistry class... if you could build a targeted
stink bomb that got only the teacher, controlled darkroom chem should be easy.

[Jim Noel]

No - respirator, no smock , no eye protection

Me too!

[jp]

I mix the concentrate outdoors so as to not have the pyro powder in my darkroom. Gloves and glasses for that work.