International projectionist (Jan 1943-Dec 1944)

Motion Picture Film Regulations of the Underwriters Code HEREWITH are reprinted (with a few deletions of matter of no interest to LP. readers) the regulations of the National Board of Fire Underwriters anent the handling and storage of nitrocellulose motion picture film. Attention is particularly directed to paragraph 2-6 which sets forth that regulations apparently applying only to studios, film exchanges, etc., may also apply to theatre projection rooms wherever processes or conditions are similar. 1. Application of Rules. — These regulations are intended to apply to the storage and handling of nitrocellulose motion picture film, in all places except establishments manufacturing such film and storage incident thereto. They are not intended to apply to the storage and handling of film having a cellulose acetate or other approved slow-burning base nor to photographic and X-ray film. 2. Scope of Regulations. — (a) These regulations are intended to provide reasonable provisions for the storage and handling of motion picture film, based on minimum requirements for safety to life and property from fire. (b) It is strongly recommended that film exchanges, laboratories and studios be permitted only in sprinklered buildings of fireproof1 construction. In buildings of non-fireproof construction which have been adapted to such occupancies, automatic sprinklers should be installed as hereinafter specified and suitable fire cut-offs provided between each room in which film is handled or stored and other sections of the building, and adequate . exit facilities provided. Suitable requirements will be found in the Recommended Building Code of the National Board of Fire Underwriters. 3. Arrangement of Regulations. — (a) These regulations are divided into two parts: Part I gives general provisions regarding the storage and handling of film; Part II gives special provisions for special occupancies as motion picture theatres, exchanges, laboratories, and studios, which apply in addition to any and all of the general provisions which may also be applicable. (b) The grouping of the special provisions under the heading of special occupancies is merely for convenience in the application of these regulations. Any particular process or operation in any type of occupancy shall be governed by the provisions given for that process or operation, whether under the heading of that occupancy or any other beading, unless otherwise specifically provided herein. For example, any process in a studio which, from the standpoint of the authority enforcing these regulations, partakes of the same nature as some process covered under laboratories, shall be governed by the provisions for that process given under laboratories. 4. Approval of Plans. — Before constructing any building for use as motion picture film occupancy, or remodeling any building for such occupancy, or building any film vault, or installing any enclosure for motion picture projection, or installing any screening room, complete plans of such proposed construction or installation should be submitted to the inspection department having jurisdiction for approval. These plans shall show in detail all proposed construction and structural changes and the means of protection to be provided, the heating system with the protection for it, the electrical equipment, and the character and location of exposures. 5. Definitions. — Whenever used in these regulations the following words shall be construed as having the meanings given below. (a) "Film," or "motion picture film," motion picture or sound recording film having a nitrocellulose base, whether in the form of unexposed film, positives, negatives, scrap, or used film. (b) "Vault," a vault constructed and equipped in accordance with the requirements of Section 17. (c) "Cabinet," a cabinet constructed and equipped in accordance with the requirements of Section 16. (d) "Standard roll," a roll of film 1% inches (35-mm.) wide and 1,000 feet long, weighing approximately 5 pounds, used as a unit in calculating the weight of film. (Note: This definition is intended to establish a measure of length and weight and is not designed to prohibit the use of double rolls — 2,000 feet— of film in theatres and exchanges.) (e) "Partition," except where some other form of construction is specified, a partition constructed in accordance with the specifications given in sub-section 112. Handling of Film 181. Film Shall be in Containers. — All film shall be kept in closed containers except during the actual time it is being worked upon or examined. This is very essential from the standpoint of fire hazard and safety to life. I.C.C. shipping containers and individual containers for each roll of film with proper corrugations on each side are recommended. 182. Film shall not be placed or kept under benches, tables, or other surfaces which would shield it from the discharge of sprinklers. 183. Scrap Film.— Scrap film shall be kept separate from waste paper and other rubbish, and shall be kept under water at all times. It shall be collected from work rooms at least once daily, and removed to a room used for no other purpose, where it shall be kept under water in steel drums with tight covers. These drums shall be disposed of at frequent intervals. Discarded film in full or part rolls shall be kept in vaults. Scrap film shall not be baled or burned. (Note: Motion picture film in the form of clippings and short lengths is in a very hazardous form. Safe precautions in the handling of such scraps are most essential. Baling and burning of film are processes offering a distinct fire hazard. Sending film to a central reclaiming plant in lieu of burning is recommended.) 184. Transportation. — (a) Motion picture film should never be transported in any vehicle or other public conveyance used for the transportation of passengers, unless enclosed in I.C.C. shipping containers. (b) Motion picture film should never be allowed in any underground subway train or station unless under the jurisdiction of the Interstate Commerce Commission and conforming to the regulations thereof. Projector Requirements 191. Enclosures for Motion Picture Projectors— (a) Motion picture projectors using nitrocellulose film shall be operated or set up for operation only within an approved enclosure, not less than 48 square feet in size and 7 feet high. If more than one machine is to be operated an additional 24 square feet shall be provided for each additional machine. For new construction, a size not less than 8 feet wide, 10 feet deep and 8 feet high is recommended for one projection machine, and not less than 14 feet wide, 10 feet deep and 8 feet high for two machines. (b) The walls and ceiling of the enclosure shall be built of brick, tile, or plaster blocks, plastered on both sides, or of concrete, or of a rigid metal frame, properly braced, and sheathed and roofed with sheet iron of not less than No. 20 U. S. gauge metal, or with % inch hard asbestos board, securely riveted or bolted to the frame, or 2 inches of solid metal lath and cement or gypsum plaster. All joints shall be sufficiently tight to prevent the discharge of smoke. Non-combustible acoustical material may be used on ceiling and walls, on top of the plaster. (c) The entrance door into the enclosure shall be at least 2 feet by 5 feet, of construction equivalent to the sheathing FEBRUARY 1944 21