Projection engineering (Jan-Dec 1931)

Page 18 Nitrocellulose motion picture film The regulations of the National Fire Protection Association for the handling and storage of motion picture film, as here presented, have been voted upon affirmatively by a majority of the association's committee covering this subject. T HE Fire Underwriters' rules and their application, follow : 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. ( See separate regulations on 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) The intensity of heat and rapidity of combustion of burning film are such that it is highly preferable that occupancies, such as film exchanges, laboratories and studios, be permitted only in sprinkled buildings of fireresistive construction. In many sections of the country buildings of inferior construction have been adapted to such occupancies, under which circumstances it is essential that proper consideration be given to protective devices, such as automatic sprinklers ; and that all vertical openings, between floors, as elevator and stair shafts, be fully enclosed, and that adequate exit facilities be provided. Such features are most essential from the safety to life standpoint. These regulations are based on the assumption that such features are properly taken care of by building ordinances. Suitable requirements will be found in the Recommended Building Code of the National Board of Fire Underwriters. ■■Ill 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 heading, 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 a motion picture film occupancy, or remodeling any building for such occupancy, or building any film vault, or installing any motion picture projection booth or screening room, complete plans of such proposed construction or installation shall 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 all exposures. 5. Definitions. Whenever used in PROJECTION ENGINEERING 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 \yi inches (35 mm.) wide and 1000 feet long, weighing approximately 5 pounds, used as a unit in calculating the weight of film. Note : The weight per 1000 feet, of 70 mm. and other widths of film will vary approximately as the width. (c) "Partition," except where some other form of construction is specified, a partition constructed in accordance with the specifications given in subsection 112. Part I. General Provisions Regarding the Storage and Handling of Motion Picture Film. Section II. Construction and Arrangement of Buildings 111. Motion picture film should preferably be stored or handled only in buildings of fire-resistive construction. 112. Partitions, (a) All rooms in which motion picture film is stored or handled, except motion picture projection booths and film vaults, shall be separated from each other and from all ether parts of the building by partitions of suitable stability and having a fire retardant classification of not less than 1 hour as determined by the Standard Fire Test. Partitions constructed as follows shall be deemed to have the required fire retardant classification: (1) Hollow clay tile laid in cement mortar, cement lime mortar or gypsum mortar, not less than 4 inches thick and plastered on both sides with not less than y2 inch of gypsum mortar or cement mortar ; (2) Gypsum blocks, either solid or hollow, laid in gypsum mortar, not less than 3 inches thick and plastered on both sides with not less than Yi inch of gypsum mortar ; (3) Metal lath supported by incombustible studs, plastered on both sides to fully cover the metal lath and studs with not less than Y\ inch of gypsum mortar or cement mortar and having a total thickness of not less than 2J^ inches ; (4) Wood studs covered both sides with metal lath and 24 inch gypsum mortar or cement mortar, and having a total thickness of not less than 5% inches. (This type of construction to