title: An assessment of risk associated with the photography of microbiological materials.
abstract: This study investigated risks associated with the photography of materials that are a potential source of infection, the extent to which medical illustrators are aware of these risks, the relevant government regulations and guidance, and whether recommended control measures are adopted. To seek information about current practice, a questionnaire was sent to randomly selected Medical Illustration Units across the United Kingdom. The data indicated that a significant proportion of medical illustrators routinely photograph materials that could be a source of infection, but that a high percentage know little about the specific regulations and guidance which govern the handling of such materials. Apparent deficiencies in safety procedures currently applied in photographing microbiological materials were identified; recommendations that address these problems at little or no cost are proposed.
authors.affiliation: Print Services, Robinson Library, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Jesmond Road West, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HQ, UK. frank.addison@ncl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Frank J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Addison
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Kehoe
mesh_terms: D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000592:standards*; D008488:Medical Illustration; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010781:Photography; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012308:Risk Management / Q000592:standards; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D015386:Hazardous Substances