International projectionist (Jan 1961-Dec 1962)

piece of film is ignited and. it turns out to be nitrate a serious burn or a bad fire may result. The burning test must be made in a carefully prescribed manner or an inexperienced person may still confuse nitrate and safety film, particularly since only a small sample can be burned safely. For example, Duplitized nitrate motion picture film with emulsion on both sides does not always burn as fiercely as one expects, and sometimes small pieces of safety film held in a match flame burn more rapidly than expected. Following is a burning test given in American Standard PH1.25-19568 which can be conducted readily. "Sample. Cut a piece of film approximately 16mm (0.63 in.) wide and 35mm (1.38 in.) long. Bend the film. lengthwise and crease it sufficiently so that when released it will, stand upright. "Procedure. Stand the film sample (with the crease vertical) on a flat surface such as an ash tray, glass plate, concrete floor, etc. This should be done at a safe distance from all film stocks. With a match flame, ignite one of the top corners of the film. Anyone unfamiliar ivith the burning of safety and nitrate photographic films should first conduct this test on samples of both types of film, the identities of which are known. "Interpretation. // the film ignites easily, burns downward rapidly and vigorously with a bright yellow flame, and is completely consumed in less than 15 seconds, it probably contains dangerous quantities of cellulose nitrate and probably will not pass the standard tests for safety film. If the film sample ignites with difficuty and burns only partially, or if it burns completely in a time not under 15 seconds, compliance with the standard tests may be considered assured and the film classified as safety film. If the results of the field tests are doubtful, the laboratory tests specified in this standard should be conducted." Storage and Handling of Nitrate Motion Picture Film The safe storage and handling of nitrate motion picture film is specified in detail by NBFU Pamphlet No. 40, (') which everyone concerned should carefully follow. These standards were developed by the National Fire Protection Assn. together with various other organizations over the years, and were revised again in 1953. They are also issued by the National Board of Fire Underwriters and are commonly known as "Underwriters' regulations." It is impossible in a short article to list all of the Underwriters' regulations, but a few will be mentioned. All nitrate film must be stored in a fire-proof vault constructed according to specifications and containing an explosion vent and automatic water sprinklers. The quantity of nitrate film in any one vault or working area is restricted. Unprotected steam pipes, light bulbs or other sources of heat are not permitted. Small quantities of nitrate film may be stored in special vented cabinets which meet Underwriters' specifications. Special precautions are also required in areas used for printing, handling, or projecting nitrate film. Above all, smoking must not be allowed in any room containing nitrate film. Nitrate motion picture film storage vaults should be kept cool (below 70F.I and dry (below 60%, relative humidity). Films should be inspected once every year and any showing signs of decomposition should be copied on safety film and then discarded. Where a vault contains a large film collection, random inspection of every tenth roll should be adequate. Film in vaults which are not kept cool and dry should be inspected more frequently. 18 Disposal of Nitrate Film The disposal of nitrate motion picture film requires a special word of warning. Film which shows any signs of decomposition should be immersed immediately in water in a metal drum or tank. Whether decomposing or not, nitrate film must not be mixed with scrap safety film or other forms of rubbish. It must not be put into an incinerator because of the danger of explosion. Ultimate disposal of nitrate film should be carried out only by experts using methods approved by the local fire department or other authorities. Two methods may be mentioned : 1. Burning — This can be done safely only out of doors in a large area away from any buildings. The film should be burned in batches of not over 25 lbs. and personnel must take proper precautions to prevent injury from the toxic fumes produced. 2. At Sea — Areas located on the coast, such as New York and Los Angles, might arrange to have scrap nitrate film hauled out to sea at an approved location and dumped overboard. Remember! To prevent dangerous fires with nitrate motion picture film — 1. Identify and segregate all nitrate film. 2. Store only in Underwriters' approved cabinets or vaults equipped with an explosion vent and automatic water sprinklers. 3. Keep film cool and dry. 4. Inspect once a year or oftener. 5. Immerse in water any film showing signs of decomposition. 6. Follow National Fire Protection Assn. (Underwriter') regulations for handling film in printing, projection, etc. 7. Dispose of all nitrate film only by approved procedures. 8. If nitrate film does ignite, evacuate personnel instantly and warn firemen of the danger of explosion and poison gases. iP References 1. "Standards of the National Board of Fire Underwriters for Storage and Handling of Cellulose Nitrate Motion Picture Film as Recommended by the National Fire Protection Association," N.B.F.U. Pamphlet No. 40, November 1953. (Obtainable from National Board of Fire Underwriters, 85 John Street, New York 7, N. Y.) 2. "Proceedings of a Board of the Chemical Warfare Service appointed for the purpose of investigating the disaster at the Cleveland Hospital Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, on May 15, 1929," U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C, 1929.' 3. A. H. Nuckolls, and A. F. Matson, "Some Hazardous Properties of Motion Picture Film," J. Soc. Mot. Pic. Eng., 27: 657-661, Dec. 1936. 4. H. Anderson, "Fire Prevention in the Motion Picture Industry, " J. Soc. Mot. Pic. Eng., 27: 662-676, Dec. 1936. 5. "Fox Film Storage Fire," National Fire Protection Assoc. Quarterly, 31:2, 136-142, October 1937. 6. "Hazard in Handling and Storage of Nitrate and Safety Motion Picture Film," Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, N. Y., February 1951. 7. J. W. Cummings, A. C. Hutton, and H. Silfin, "Spontaneous Ignition of Decomposing Cellulose Nitrate Film," J. Soc. Mot. Pic. and Tel. Eng., 54: 268-274, March 1950. 8. "American Standard Specifications for Safety Photographic Film," PHI. 25-1 956 (Obtainable from the American Standards Assn., Inc., 10 East 40th Street, New York 16, N. Y.) 9. A. L. Cobb, "Burning Characteristics of Safety vs. Nitrate Film," J. Soc. Mot. Pic. and Tel. Eng., 66: 66-68, Feb. 1957. 10. J. V. Ryan, J. W. Cummings, and A. C. Hutton, "Fire Effects and Fire Control in Nitrocellulose Photographic-Film Storage," Building Materials and Structures Report 145, National Bureau of Standards, U.S. Department of Commerce, April 2, 1956. International Projectionist May 1962