The Cine Technician (1953-1956)

January 1956 Lab Topics DERMATITIS DANGER Syd Bremson writes: The November issue of the " Haldane Society Bulletin " opens with this grave warning : " Dermatitis is an inflammatory condition of the skin caused by external irritants, and industrial dermatitis is of much more frequent occurrence than the total of all other industrial diseases." This statement is of particular interest to laboratory technicians and should be noted most carefully by them, more especially by all personnel whose duties bring them into contact with colour developing machines, i.e., developing or maintenance workers. Since the introduction of colour processing in this industry, the incidence of dermatitis has risen sharply among these workers, coming as they do in direct contact with the interior of the machines, cleaning, replacing and renewing sets of rollers, or other worn-out parts. A study of the facts shows that some people are more allergic to the disease than others, which adds to this complicated problem. How is dermatitis caused? How can it best be combatted? The medical profession itself has not yet found all the answers, in spite of all the valuable work it is doing in this field. Preventive measures in laboratories in 1953 were inadequate, representations were made, arising out of which new washing facilities were provided, also new barrier creams, with instructions posted on the best method of use. In spite of these precautions numerous cases have arisen, and the individuals concerned can suffer hardship under the sickness clause of the agreement. On the surface it appears unjust that illness arising from dermatitis should be treated under the existing sickness clause of the agreement as at present. It is conceivable that the individual can use up all his sickness allowances whilst recovering from the disease, leaving nothing for the ordinary illnesses such as colds, influenza, etc. that all flesh is heir to. CINE TECHNICIAN Camera Column VV7E start this column on behalf " of the Camera Section and hope to continue it every month. The next committee meeting will be held on January 20th, at 7.30 p.m., at the Crown Theatre, Wardour Street. It will be followed by a General Section meeting at the same place at 8.15 p.m. So let's all make an effort and come in force. I'm not suggesting there have been any complaints about attendance. On the contrary, we are proud to say that our section has had the best attendances of the lot. The Committee has been most concerned at the manner in which members nominate names for committee membership. The Committee feel that this nominating must be taken more seriously. It was suggested, for instance, that if you want to nominate someone, you should first ascertain if they are willing to stand. In this way we will know that those elected will attend most meetings. During the last year of office there was an average of 14J members present at each of the eight meetings. The "New York Film Daily" held a ballot of all the critics to nominate the five best artistes and films, also naming the Cameramen. I thought you would be interested in knowing the films and Cameramen, they are : 1. Gate of Hell — Kohei Sugiyama; 2. Summer Madness— Jack Hildyard; 3. Strategic Air Command — William Daniels; 4. To Catch a Thief — Robert Burks; 5. Love is a Many Splendored Thing — Leon Shamroy. It is good to see one of our members in the first two. Nice going Jack. There are still a number of units working with short crews. Surely this can be stopped. Every unit has to have a Cameraman and it should be his job to see that this does not happen. So we really can't blame anybody if we ourselves do not do anything about it. At the last General Meeting, held on December 9th, it was suggested that if any member had a news item or anything he wanted to say, if he would send it to " Viewfinder," care of Head Office, it would be mentioned in this column — so don't be shy. I have been asked to find out what the ruling is on CinemaScope Crews. Well, the latest is that there is no hard and fast rule, but George Elvin tells me that the question is being looked into now. He says that it will have a crew of at least five and possibly six. Once again it is up to the camera crew themselves to ask for more help. VIEWFINDER When it is realised that dermatitis is a malignant disease which will and must attack the individual and that there is no escaping this insidious illness, it will be seen that the need for continued high-level discussions to clarify the many points and problems is imperative, not only to our members, but also to the managements who are, in their own way, victims of the disease owing to the loss of man-hours in the course of a year. The individual technician can play his part in helping to overcome dermatitis by making the fullest use of the washing facilities, barrier creams and protective clothing provided for him, and above all by reporting any skin irritations immediately to his doctor. Note: A.C.T. is preparing a leaflet on this subject for Lab Members. Jobs on Our Books The following vacancies have been notified to Head Office: HUMPHRIES LABORATORIES: Positive and Negative Driers Chemical Mixers Two Positive Examiners (Female) One Positive Synchroniser (Male) DENHAM LABORATORIES: A trainee in the Research Department. The applicant should have reached School Certificate standard and have a knowledge of chemistry. A Joiner is required in the Model E Printing Department. This appointment will involve shift work. A Positive Dryer in the Colour Developing Department on the night staff. A Junior in the Records Office for typing and filing. Will any members interested please get in touch with Bunny Garner at Head Office.