3D Innovations H-182 User Manual

Environment

INFORMATION FROM KODAK

Safe Handling, Storage, and Destruction
of Nitrate-Based Motion Picture Films

H-182 (ENG) $1.00

This publication will
help you understand

Photographic films on cellulose nitrate
base (nitrocellulose) were introduced
by Eastman Kodak Company in 1889.
This film base had excellent physical
properties, but it suffered from poor
chemical stability and high
flammability. In 1948, cellulose
triacetate support was introduced; it
met the performance requirements of
motion picture films and provided
added safety. After 1951, no cellulose
nitrate motion picture film was
manufactured by Kodak.

Actual use of cellulose nitrate films
in theaters has virtually ceased.
However, large quantities of cellulose
nitrate film for archival or other
purposes still exist in storage. These
films are typically kept in vaults and
removed for limited projection,
reprinting and restoration on safety
films, or destruction.

This publication will help you
recognize and avoid the hazards
associated with cellulose nitrate motion
picture films. To safely handle, store,
transport, and destroy these films, you
must understand these hazards. The
information in this publication is based
on requirements in the United States;
requirements may differ in other
countries.

The storage and handling
requirements presented are primarily
from the National Fire Protection

Association (NFPA), Standard for the

Storage and Handling of Cellulose
Nitrate Motion Picture Film, 1994

Edition (NFPA 40). The NFPA
standards are not laws; however, states
or local authorities, such as a
government agency, local fire
department, or a building/ electrical
inspector may require compliance with
the NFPA standard.

IDENTIFICATION

Depending on the age of cellulose
nitrate films, the edge of the film may
be marked as nitrate film (“NITRATE
FILM” or “ N ”).

The words “SAFETY FILM” may
appear in the non-image area of a
motion picture film. This usually
indicates that the base is made of a
material, such as cellulose triacetate,
that passes the ISO 435 test for burning
and ignition. However, early motion
picture films marked “SAFETY
FILM” may have been printed on
cellulose nitrate film, which would also
carry the “SAFETY FILM” markings
from print through. If a film cannot be
clearly identified by markings, testing
may be required to determine the
composition of the film base.

the requirements
to safely handle,
store, transport,
and destroy
cellulose nitrate-based
films.

©Eastman Kodak Company, 2003

There are several methods to identify

a film base.

You can prepare and analyze a sample
of a film base by infrared absorption
through an analytical laboratory using
the procedure outlined in ISO 10682.
Another test to distinguish nitrate film
from safety film is to punch or cut a 1/4­inch diameter sample from the film and
place it in a test tube or small bottle
containing trichlorethylene. You will
need to shake the liquid to ensure that
the sample is completely immersed.
Cellulose nitrate films will sink in the
liquid and safety films will float to the
surface. Cellulose nitrate films that have
started to deteriorate may change
density and may not sink in the
trichlorethylene. Always perform this
test in a well ventilated area to minimize
exposure to trichlorethylene. Dispose of
used trichlorethylene as a hazardous
waste.

Deteriorated films in the first two
stages are photographically
reproducible. Unless you have expertise
in determining the characteristics of
nitrate films in various stages of
decomposition, do not unroll the films.

For help determining the historical
value of any material on nitrate base,
contact a local historical film
association, or one of the following:

Library of Congress
Motion Picture, Broadcasting and
Recorded Sound Division
Washington, D.C. 20540-4800
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]

National Archives and Records
Adminstration at College Park
8601 Adelphi Road
College Park, MD 20740
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]

DETERIORATION

Federation of International Film

In addition to the inherent hazards
associated with the flammability of
cellulose nitrate film, decomposition of
the film also can present safety concerns
during its storage, handling,
transportation, and destruction. The
deterioration of cellulose nitrate films
can be divided in to five distinct stages:

Stage 1 Film has an amber discoloration with fading of the image. Faint nox-

ious odor. Rust ring may form on inside of metal film cans.

Stage 2 Emulsion becomes adhesive and the film tends to stick together dur-

ing unrolling. Faint noxious odor.

Stage 3 Portions of the film are soft, contain gas bubbles, and emit a noxious

odor.

Archives (FIFA)
FIFA Secretariat
rue Franz Merjay 190
1180 Bruxelles/Brussels
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]

SAFE HANDLING

As cellulose nitrate film decomposes, it
can release nitric oxide, nitrogen
dioxide, and other gases. These vapors
will accelerate the decomposition of the
remaining film base. Depending on the
airborne concentration, vapors from
decomposing film may be irritating to
your eyes, nose, and throat. Providing
adequate ventilation reduces the
airborne concentration of the vapors and
ensures that exposure limits established
by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) or the
American Conference of Government
Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) will not
be exceeded.

To avoid contact with your skin and
eyes, and to reduce the possibility of
injury, always wear impervious gloves,
such as rubber or neoprene, and eye
protection when handling decomposing
cellulose nitrate film.

PRESERVATION AND

STORAGE

Because cellulose nitrate films are
flammable and there are decomposition
concerns, you need to store and manage
them in a safe manner that limits
decomposition. You can preserve or
duplicate cellulose nitrate films until the
third stage of decomposition. Cellulose
nitrate films that have reached the third
stage of decomposition, or that have no
historical value, should be destroyed at
an authorized facility.

.

Stage 4 Entire film is soft and welded into a single mass, the surface may be

covered with viscous froth, and a strong noxious odor is given off.

Stage 5 Film mass degenerates partially or entirely into a shock sensitive

brownish acrid powder.

Safe Handling, Storage, and Destruction of Nitrate-Based Motion Picture Films • H-182 (ENG) 2

STORAGE

Choosing a storage facility for cellulose
nitrate films depends on the amount of
film to be stored.

For short-term storage, you can use
approved film cabinets for storing up to
750 pounds of film (equal to 150 1000­foot rolls). Use vaults for longer-term
storage of amounts up to 750 pounds.
Always store amounts over 750 pounds
in vaults. Be sure to segregate cellulose
nitrate films from other film storage
areas.

For extended-term storage (for
preservation of material having
permanent value), store in archival
cabinets or vaults that contain individual
compartments and allow for
decomposition gas venting.

Do not exceed 70°F inside the storage
vault, and maintain the relative humidity
below 50 percent. For long-term storage
requirements, store the film at 35°F at
20- to 30-percent relative humidity.

Refer to the design specifications for
film cabinets and vaults, including
materials of construction, maximum
capacity, venting, and sprinkler
requirements found in NFPA 40,
Chapter 4. You should also check your
local fire code for additional film
storage requirements.

In addition to cool and dry storage,
Molecular Sieves are recommended for
storage of all cellulose nitrate films. You
can promote extended keeping and
preservation of cellulose nitrate films
with the placement of Molecular Sieves
inside the film storage container. These
sieves scavenge and catalytically
decompose the gases that are generated
during the storage of cellulose nitrate
films and retard the degradation
reactions. Molecular Sieves are
available from FPC,
6677 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los
Angeles, California 90038,
[phone] or [phone].

Exposure to temperatures in excess of
185°F accelerates decomposition of
these films. While they deteriorate,
nitrate-based films can develop pressure
and heat in the film can, especially when
the can is taped closed. Contained gases
and heat can lead to spontaneous
combustion. Therefore, it is
recommended that you store cellulose
nitrate films in painted or tin-plated
metal cans with loose lids. Do not tape
the lids or use tight-fitting lids unless
you are using Molecular Sieves.

Decomposition gases (powerful
oxidizing agents) can also react with
nearby acetate and polyester base films,
so you will need to store cellulose nitrate
films in a separate area. The
decomposition gases can also promote
decomposition of nearby cellulose
nitrate films. If your cellulose nitrate
films need to be stored, but have started
to deteriorate, you must store them in an
area that is separate from other cellulose
nitrate film storage areas.

Store cellulose nitrate films in vaults
in single or double roll containers or in
approved shipping containers. You will
need to examine the entire length of
nitrate films prior to vault storage. If
they are stored with temperature and
humidity controls, you should inspect
nitrate films on a hand rewind machine
annually. Where storage conditions are
not controlled, you should examine
films every six months, or more
frequently in warm climates. Any nitrate
films you find in good condition can be
returned to the storage vault. Any films
that have progressed to the third stage of
decomposition need to be destroyed at
an approved facility.

PROJECTION

You need to exercise care when
attempting to project cellulose nitrate
films. Cellulose nitrate motion picture
films may be brittle and shrunken. Do
not attempt to unroll or project a
cellulose nitrate film unless you are
thoroughly familiar with its physical
characteristics. Improper projection can
damage or destroy the film.

Because of the potential fire hazards,
the projection of cellulose nitrate films
is not a common practice. You should
project cellulose nitrate films only in
specially designed enclosures using
projectors with air cooling systems.
(Refer to design specifications in NFPA
40, Chapter 6.) Projection booths in
older theaters were typically constructed
with thick concrete walls, large steel
doors mounted on rolling tracks, and
explosion relief panels. Specialized
projectors with fire prevention rollers
were also used.

Since decomposition is accelerated
with high temperatures, projecting
cellulose nitrate film without air cooling
systems will advance the decomposition
stage. Therefore, do not return film that
was exposed to high temperatures to
your storage vault for long-term storage.
You can reprint your film onto safety
film and then send the cellulose nitrate
film to an authorized facility to be
destroyed.

Safe Handling, Storage, and Destruction of Nitrate-Based Motion Picture Films • H-182 (ENG)

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