International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1946)

INDUSTRY'S SAFETY PROGRAM {Continued from page 14) flameproofing is thoroughly done, whether by the theatre staff or by some outside contractor. The points to make certain of are: selection of first-class flameproofing chemicals; assurance that all parts of the fabric are treated; assurance that sufficient chemical is used so that the material is thoroughly impregnated. Labor or cost should be disregarded, the important purpose being to do a good job of flameproofing. The question often arises as to the procedure in fighting a projection room fire. Much consideration has been given to this question by projectionists, theatre operators, the Underwriters, the Projection Practice Committee of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers, and others, and the best opinion is that the projectionist should close the room shutters and immediately leave the room, closing the door behind him. This presupposes that the various safety devices are in working order. This last is the responsibility of the projectionist. Novel Industrial Safety Pattern In the distribution of motion pictures, we believe that we have set a pattern for all industry. Our industry for more than twenty years has had its own fire and safety inspection organization comprising men employed by the industry itself who travel the country constantly inspecting motion picture film exchanges. In addition, there is a committee in each city made up of representatives of several companies who inspect exchanges. Thus we have one company inspecting the other company's property — truly a situation to promote competition for greater safety. No other industry does anything like this. Figures just released, covering some 250 exchanges where this service is in effect and located in 31 cities, indicate that the fire losses have amounted to less than $5,000 over a period of twenty years. No industry of any kind in the United States can equal this record. All portions of an exchange where film is handled are equipped with automatic sprinklers. Rooms are cut off from one another by fire doors that close automatically at time of fire. The vaults are designed with special sprinkler systems, double fire doors, and an automatic vent which will open at time of fire. We have adopted any devices that the Underwriters or others can design which will measurably increase the safety of our exchanges. The human element is the greatest source of danger, but the record tells the story, and exchange employes have played an important part in making the record. Astronomical amounts of film are handled daily without mishap. In our studios we face an entirely different type of problem from that in theatres or exchanges. Here we do have a number of mechanical devices — but safeguarding in this case, however, workers. Safety Must be 'Sold'' Individually We have made many studies, experiments and trials, and have found that the only successful manner in which safety can be attained is by having safety sold to the entire organization. It cannot come from the top down only. Nor can we reach every man at the bottom only. It must (Continued on page 29) HERE PIMWnN'EB IN SEARCH FOR OLDEST OPERATING (5oU*u g>j^ &u^ STRONG CHANGEOVERS Br cssana7 ^-"clai* ',<,.' strong •• Dear k,r 00iopany tele?" con' versa have tion of °^ in °« jvers iO-S Chan; CO! of a* ^ons ?0^Xar4 *«* SO»et' 1928. 33.66 and' .k since • *ee ■„* the during . seen -ojd-ts These w ^3e of 19* • cei* -ten rt-ceV tie* ' 8»d aT.t least „ie-ndi<l ser£a an' 'P1 rL ™e need* >» £rom these other V at ^flV^^c W» of V^ chased = coopanV metro s^rale jgd-tMC •. :"~'-r coafw^ Vlsiva&er ■lH-> To Arthur" L. Melton, Local 281, IATSE, the $100.00 Victory Bond . ..and to Columbia Theater, Puducah, Ky.,goes a new pair of STRONG ZIPPER CHANGEOVERS— awards for the oldest-operating STRONG CHANGEOVERS reported in the competition which closed August 1st. Gratifying indeed was the response from projectionists. Enthusiastic are their reports on the contribution STRONG CHANGEOVERS make to the "perfect show." Gerhard Hanson, Princess Theater, Eagle Grove, Iowa, reports 50,000 hours of booth operation for a pair of STRONG ZIPPERS purchased in 1929. Chief Projectionist James Boschetti, Local 596, IATSE, Greenfield, Mass., reports 46,720 hours of trouble-free operation in the York Theater, Athol, Mass. George W. Buss, Local 203, IATSE, Easton, Pa., reports using STRONG CHANGEOVERS for 17 years, and "has never spent a penny on parts or repairs." Ray Brian, Local 434, Palace Theater, Peoria, Illinois, says his STRONG CHANGEOVERS have given 17 years of "service without a hitch." To Projectionists Gerhard Hanson, James Boschetti, Ray Brian, and George Buss, honorable mention and appropriate recognition as runners-up for the Victory Bond Award. To projectionists everywhere who use or who are waiting for delivery on STRONG ZIPPER CHANGEOVERS, STRONG REEL-END SIGNALS and STRONG UNIVERSAL REWIND "MULES," thanks for the cooperation that makes it possible for us to help you give a perfect show every time. And to NATIONAL THEATER SUPPLY— STRONG dealers for two decades— our congratulations on this, the Twentieth Anniversary of their founding. CHANGEOVERS 24 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST September, 1946