Image Arts Health and Safety

It is mandatory that you attend all in-class workshops offering training on equipment that you will need to complete your coursework, both for safety reasons and in order to have clearance to sign out that equipment. If you damage Image Arts equipment, you are responsible for the cost of repairs or replacement and you will lose your access privileges until payment is received.

Your instructor is responsible for providing specific training on the hazardous materials and/or processes that you are required to use in a course. Training is crucial, you or someone else could be seriously injured if used improperly. This includes procedures for the safe use, storage, handling and disposal of these hazardous materials and the procedures to follow in case of an emergency involving these materials.

All Image Arts Students are required to have Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training and provide a copy of their Toronto Metropolitan University WHMIS Quiz Certificate to the Technology Resource Centre in order to gain access to the Image Art’s facilities and equipment. The following will be covered:

• WHMIS legislation
• Hazard Classifications and Symbols
• Supplier and workplace labels
• Safety Data Sheets

To take the training and quiz, you must have login through D2L. Go to

https://www.torontomu.ca/facilities-management-development/environmental-health-safety/mandatory-safety-training/d2l-elearning-instructions/ and follow instructions.

Your certificate will be valid during your standard academic tenure.

Many of Image Arts programs are studio based and you may be working with various substances, such as photographic chemistry, that may be hazardous if not used properly. It is your responsibility to keep your work environment safe for you and your fellow students. Keep your work area clean and organized to reduce accidental spills or splashes. Nitrile gloves are available free of charge at the Technology Resource Centre when needed. Various other PPE is available in applicable facilities or upon request.  Darkrooms are equipped with eye wash stations and instructions for what to do if either you or someone else is splashed.

All chemicals brought into the school must be approved prior to use on campus and must include a valid SDS form provided to the Health and Safety Officer for inclusion into the SDS directory. Speak to Darren Cerkownyk at dcerkownyk@torontomu.ca for any questions about chemistry or SDS’s.

If chemicals or bottles are not labeled correctly or do not have a valid SDS in the database, a substantial fine will be imposed and access suspended. All chemicals that you use or mix MUST be stored in appropriate chemical compliant containers and MUST be properly labeled with the following:

1. Material name
2. Ingredient amounts or %
3. Student's or instructor's name
4. Date made or in use
5. Safe handling procedures - e.g. If you need to wear gloves or use a mask when working with the chemical.
6. Ingredients - (If the solution or mixture has more than one Safety Data Sheet (SDS), see below) list the ingredients and the percentage of each ingredient in the solution or mixture.

If chemicals or bottles are not labeled correctly or do not have a valid SDS in the database, a substantial fine will be imposed and access suspended. All chemicals that you use or mix MUST be stored in appropriate containers and MUST be properly labeled.

Basic First Aid kits are accessible throughout the school with larger, more extensive kits kept with staff in primary locations should additional First Aid supplies be required. Please note, you should always contact 911 in the case of an emergency.

• For potentially life threatening or serious emergencies, dial “911”.
• If you call ‘911’ give them your exact location in Image Arts if possible. They will contact TMU Security to direct emergency vehicles to the scene.
• For non-911 situations, call TMU Security: 416.979.5040 on cell phones or external lines. They will come immediately. The Security office is on the main floor of the Victoria building, on the west side of Image Arts.
• St. Michaels Hospital Emergency is 2 blocks south to Shuter and then one block west, corner of Shuter & Victoria St.

If you see, smell, or detect a fire:

• Pull the closest fire alarm.
• Dial 911 from a safe location, on a personal device, or any campus telephone.
• Close all doors.
• Ensure doors and exits are clear, do not block doors.
• Exit by stairwells; do not use elevators.
• Leave the building immediately by the nearest safe exit.
• Assist people with disabilities or children, as required.
• Wait outside the building as directed by Security or the Fire Wardens.

A downtown campus such as TMU does tend to attract the occasional wanderer to its buildings in spite of regular checks by Campus Security. Keep these tips in mind when working in the building during irregular hours:

• Whenever possible, do not work alone. Inform technical staff if you are alone or in an isolated area. TMU Security offers “working in isolation” support with regular checks - Please contact Security if required.
• Notify any Image Arts staff or call Campus Security if you see someone suspicious in the building.
• Know where the blue Emergency Pull Stations are (see interactive map (external link) ). These are a direct link to Campus Security.
• Use common sense. If someone who doesn’t appear to belong in the building asks for your help, refer the person to any staff, reception, or security.

Image Arts Policy for Replica Weapon use in Productions 

Under no circumstances are firearms, live ammunition, weapons such as knives or other items that can be seen as threatening or considered a weapon, allowed in the School of Image Arts.

In the event that the use of a replica props is requested for the purposes of production in the School of Image Arts (IMA), on Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) campus or off-campus, and an IMA faculty advisor has been made aware, this form (external link)  must be completed, submitted and signed by a supporting faculty member and an authorizing staff administrator. 

This service provides TMU’s community with a protected escort by security officers or supervisors 24 hours a day to any location on the TMU campus, to the Dundas subway or to a number of parking lots off campus. To request an escort, call security at 416-979-5040 or 555040 for internal phones, or email walksafe@torontomu.ca.

Theft of personal or borrowed school property has unfortunately been known to happen. DO NOT leave your belongings unattended at any time anywhere in the building. Avoid storing valuable equipment in your locker overnight or over weekends. If you see someone suspicious, or anyone who seems to be paying a little too much attention to you and/or the contents of your locker, call Campus Security or alert Image Arts staff.

Lockers are situated in the basement and the 3rd floor of the Image Arts building. They are free and available to all undergraduate Image Arts students. Lockers can be registered by scanning the QR codes that are posted around the locker areas, and completing the linked form. Note that items and locks must be removed from your locker at the end of the winter academic term.

• Any locks left after April 30 will be cut off and the contents discarded.

Bikes left overnight or even until a late hour in front of the School are at high risk for theft or vandalism. If you see a theft in progress or if it happens to you, report it immediately to Campus Security. To reduce theft risk, lock your bike in areas of campus that are more populated at night and if you tend to follow a routine try alternating spots.

There are three lots nearby - Church St and Gould St, Bond St and Dundas St, and the TMU Parking Garage on Victoria St. right behind the Image Arts building. For info on rates, hours, parking passes, accessibility and EV charging at any of the TMU parking lots, please visit this link.

• No food or drink in any studio areas except in designated areas
• Access for current Image Arts students only
• Never attempt to use any equipment you have not been instructed on 
• DO NOT hang anything off the ceiling pipes in the Photo Studio
• Wear PPE where necessary and appropriate clothing and footwear.
• Do not work alone
• Put sandbags on any stands where the top is 5' or above (lights, booms, ect.)
• No power cords across main walkways 
• Move any flats with 2 or more people
• Use two people to carefully wind up fabric backdrops (photo studio)
• Be very careful when lowering light stands. It is recommended that you use proper hand protection when raising and lowering lights.
• Always loosen boom pivot lever when finished and stored (arm stands vertically) - Do not over tighten boom levers (Photo studio)
• ​​Do not allow seamless paper to crumple or crease 
• Always inspect equipment before use and report any damaged equipment immediately to a technician. Do not attempt to repair equipment yourself.
• Use 'repair tags' in lockup and place equipment needing servicing in the 'repair area' 
• No painting, spray painting, or sanding in the studios. We have a spray booth on the 1st floor  if required.
• No strong scents
• No use of powders, fog, or smoke machines 
• No rolling wheels, blocks, flats, carts, shoes, bags, equipment, or any damaging or dirty surfaces on Cove at all.
• Never sit or place heavy objects on Studio product tables, do not place ‘hot’ lights underneath and do not change the angle of the rear panel. (Photo studio)
• Do not leave equipment unattended
• Tape MUST be removed if used. Some use pose safety risks if tape is not removed
• Nothing is to leave the studio... Chairs, booms, stands, lights, blocks, flats,...
• Do not place lights near any flammable materials, plastics, or fire sprinkler systems.
• Use available ladders when installing work. Do not stand on chairs, stools or tables.
• Children must be supervised and accompanied by an adult caregiver other than the photographer.
• No animals without approval  and completion of authorization  form
• Strict no weapons policy even as props
• Use extension cords and avoid tripping hazards. There should not be any tension on electrical cords or plugs.
• Return equipment according to photos in studio lockup
• Absolutely no open flames, smoke, toxic substances or dangerous materials.
• Dispose of prop foods at home ... Meats, fish, dairy, etc…
• Cleanup any and all mess. Sweep and tidy when finished.
• Put away flats, boxes, and equipment when finished.
• Do not build "rooms" with flats unless absolutely necessary
• ​​Do not place anything on the product tables that aren't being photographed.
• Do not rush or run in studios – do not work when you are overtired and hungry.
• If you don’t know – PLEASE ASK!

• Proper use of the scaffold (outriggers, brakes and safety harness) must be understood and strictly adhered to and can only be used following approved training.
• Flats / set pieces must be securely attached and braced with jacks and sandbags. Only trained individuals are permitted to build sets.
• Knowledge of the safe and proper use of the grid is required. Never stand below the moveable grid as it is being raised or lowered. Safety chains must be used to secure lights hung from the grid.  Barn doors must also be attached to the grid or the light.
• A basic understanding of electrical power and the dangers of equipment misuse is required - breakers, lights, electrical distribution boxes, etc.
• Knowledge of grip equipment is required before use.
• The Skyjack lift may only be operated by individuals trained and certified on this equipment.
• Wear appropriate clothing and footwear (ie. no open-toed shoes).
• If you don’t know – PLEASE ASK!

Darkrooms and other chemical use rooms

• Only trained and authorized Image Arts students are permitted
• No outside guests or friends are allowed
• Know your chemicals and how to use them safely.
• Wear personal protective equipment and appropriate clothing and footwear, ie. goggles, gloves, no open-toed shoes).
• Never leave water running unattended
• Know where the Eye Wash Station is and how to use it
• Coordinate the disposal of chemicals with technical staff
• No headphones – you need to be able to hear what is going on around you
• Clean up all spills immediately
• Notify staff or emergency personnel of any hazardous chemical contact.
• Report any broken equipment, glass, or chemical spills

• Trained and authorized individuals only
• You must know how to use the matte cutters, heat presses, and trimmers prior to use
• You must know and follow all safe work practices with regards to use and disposal of blades and sharp objects - Do not throw in garbages - use designated containers
• Be very cautious working with heat presses. There is the potential for serious burns.

Every enrolled student is covered by the same insurance policy at TMU, which covers both property and liability. Equipment loss or damage falls under property, which currently has a deductible of $50,000. This means that each time you sign out equipment from the Technology Resource Centre, you are responsible for paying the first $50,000 for repairs or replacement if that equipment is lost, stolen or damaged. Any damage or loss to Image Arts equipment must be reported to the Technology Resource Centre immediately. On-campus equipment losses must be reported to both Campus Security and TMU’s Risk & Finance Officer, Philani Moyo, at 416-979-5000, ext. 553772 or insurance@torontomu.ca. Thefts should also be reported to Police.

You may want to talk to an insurance agent about what coverage options may be available. We suggest you speak to the company that has dealt with our students: Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance, Judi Heron at 905.305.5938.

The liability clause of TMU’s policy offers significantly better protection to students in the event of an accident or damage to public or private property while filming or photographing away from campus. For example, you can still be sued if someone trips on a cable that you have placed on a city street while filming but if it can be proven that you are a registered student of TMU and that the activity that caused the accident was directly related to course work, you may not be held financially accountable as TMU’s insurance policy should cover you.

Occasionally, you will be asked to produce a Certificate of Insurance from the university as proof that you are a full-time student with coverage in case of an accident. Whether or not you obtain this Certificate, your coverage is active.

To obtain a Certificate of Insurance, please complete the Insurance Certificate Request Form. It takes atleast 5 working days to prepare so make sure to submit the form as soon as you know you need one. The policy covers equipment used outside of Ontario; however, the Insurance Office must be advised before leaving. For any questions about this process, please contact TMU’s Risk & Finance Officer, Philani Moyo, at 416-979-5000, ext. 553772 or insurance@torontomu.ca.

Negligence is inexcusable and costly in any situation, no matter which party ends up ultimately responsible for damages. Liability insurance is there for you in case of accident - it is not a license to be careless or to take avoidable risks. If a lawsuit arises from a situation you are involved in, though you may not be held financially accountable, take all precautions and act responsibly in every situation!

Note: If you are bringing in non-students to work on a photo or film production in Image Arts facilities, those individuals are required to complete a Liability Waiver for assumption of risks and responsibilities. This form is available for download here: Fillable Image Arts Liability Waiver (external link) , or can be obtained from the Operations Manager.