MD's: darkroom work with vestibular dysfunction

[Murray@uptowngallery]

The wording of this question is very specific in case any members here happen to be familiar with the medical conditions mentioned, but the question is addressed to anyone who has planned or unintentionally realized darkroom layouts that maximize total blackout ergonomics, minimizing accidents, etc.

For someone with a balance disorder (pre-existing or a side effect of ototoxic compounds (aminoglycosides?), ability to work in a darkroom may be challenging under certain circumstances. Granted, this is a very small portion of the population. Such individuals often suffer from difficulties with balance and dizziness and rely more heavily on visual input (which is not present in total blackout) when the primary inputs of the inner ear's balance organs are impaired.

Handling light sensitive materials that can be handled under 'safelights' is probably workable, but situations that require total darkness, like handling or processing panchro materials are where a problem may arise.

Some forethought in layout, maybe a chair on wheels that can slide under a countertop and other general ergonomic improvements may be possible.

I suppose everyone makes do with what resources they have available, utilizing what can be adapted in their residence. Not everyone has the luxury of building an ideal darkroom from scratch.

There probably is no such thing as a darkroom layout that specifically addresses this uncommon problem, but I'll bet there are good ideas spread far and wide, implementations that happen to be very good layouts that minimize bumping into things, etc.

Things I've seen are logical separation of wet and dry processes, layouts that place items in predictable places, etc. The industrial concepts of 5-S and 'workcell' layout seem relevant here, but few of us have knowledge of such ideas, and if there is only one or two photographers using a darkroom, the expertise present for darkroom design is limited to whatever each individual can contribute.

I am thinking maybe round-edged countertop surfaces, surfaces that extend as close as practical to doors to minimize corners one can bump into, maybe a tactile strip on the floor (a thin carpet strip leading from the door to work areas) to allow sensing position/location via foot position, precounting one's footsteps from entry to given process locations, a costly option of night vision gear if proven to not fog materials, and so on.

Does anyone have ideas that minimize darkroom layout hazards for predictable movement in the dark? Your ideas may benefit others who may feel they will not be able to, or will have to give up darkroom work.

Thanks

Murray

[raucousimages]

I do a lot of film in open tanks and will work for hours on end in total darkness. I designed the darkroom with the folowing features.

Minimum trip hazards or corners to bump into.
Small bits of glowing tape on corners, switches, door knobs etc. They wont fog film but along with the clock it is enough to orient myself.
Marks I can feel on the sink. One mark will corospond to dev tank one with fix etc.
With the exception of the 8X10 enlarger there is nothing I can hit my head on or injure my eyes with.
One light switch by the door and another by the sink on the oposote side of the room so one is always close.
A bar stool the proper height to work at the sink for long periods without fatigue.