International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1936)

December 1936 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST 33 picture engineers to be thoroughly informed or to keep abreast of new developments in it. The advice of wellqualified and informed fire prevention engineers should be sought before the design is commenced, and contact should be maintained throughout. Fire Prevention in Theatres In the motion picture theatre, safety to life is of first importance. Wherever persons congregate in large numbers there is always present the possibility of loss of life, often from even the most inconsequential causes. Fire is one of these causes, and one of the most dreaded. In well-operated theatres, fire protection and fire prevention are given the consideration they deserve. Daily inspections are made. Adequate exit facilities are provided. The stage is provided with an asbestos curtain, stage skylight, and automatic sprinkler system. The projection room is of fireresistive construction, parts are provided with automatic shutters, and doors are self-closing. Adequate mechanical ventilation is provided. Fire-resistive film cabinets are installed. The theatres operated by the industry are today confronted with rapidly rising costs of public liability insurance. In some instances rates have increased ten times or more during the past two or three years. This is partly due to the racketeering type of claim and to increasing claim consciousness; but on the other hand, a great many claims arise from actual physical defects in the theatre and from improper operation of the theatre. The balcony, particularly, with its irregular stairways and generally inadequate lighting, both overhead and at specific points, contributes to a large percentage of the accidents. The average aisle light, as constructed and installed, is practically useless. It throws a concentrated light upon the single spot, and makes the general condition worse rather than better. There ie need for an adjustable type of aisle light that will throw a diffused light and generally illuminate the aisle or steps. In general, the overhead illumination in motion picture theatres is insufficient from a safety standpoint. There is a field for the engineers, to design overhead and special illumination that will not throw light upon the screen or glare in the patrons' eyes, but will nevertheless provide safe illumination for seating and passage of patrons. It might be possible to establish the minimum degree of illumination at the floor level adequate for safety of the patrons. The S. M. P. E. can perform an important service in the prevention of fire in projection rooms, and in preventing damage if such fires occur. One way in which to accomplish this is to improve TAKES THE DIP OUT OF THE A. C. SUPPLY Makes it easier to get good results. Sold through The National Theatre Supply Co. Manufactured by THE HERTNER ELECTRIC CO. 12692 Elm wood Avenue Cleveland, Ohio U. S. A. I|::~:: = 2: ■ -r ^ANNOUNCEMENT After January 1st our offices and showroom will be located at 250 EAST 43rd STREET, NEW YORK New telephone number MUrray Hill 4-1636 FISH-SCHURMAN CORPORATION the machines and equipment constantly, with the object of making them safer. Sound equipment should be enclosed and so installed as to be unlikely to be damaged by a trifling fire or by smoke or water. Although the Fire Underwriters have issued regulations covering the construction of projection rooms, and they and various city authorities have made regulations covering the installation of extinguishers, no one has yet covered the subject of just how a fire in a projection room should be handled. If the S. M. P. E. could formulate such a code. it would be of great value and assistance to the industry. Likewise, a code is needed regarding the procedure of fighting fires in sound equipment. The subject is certainly important enough, and recommendations made by the S. M. P. E. would carry much greater prestige than those originating outside the industry. The Society constitutes, in certain technical problems, the one best contact between the motion picture industry and outside associations engaged in fire protection work. There is a great opportunity for important constructive work in this field.