5.13 What precautions are necessary when projecting nitrate prints?
Description
This article is from the rec.arts.movies.tech FAQ, by Scott E. Norwood snorwood@nyx.nyx.net with numerous contributions by others.
5.13 What precautions are necessary when projecting nitrate prints?
[note that the compiler of this FAQ takes NO RESPONSIBILITY for the
application of this information, which is provided for educational
purposes only]
Perhaps the most important task prior to running a nitrate print is to
determine whether it is permitted by local laws to do so. Many com-
munities have outlawed the projection or storage of nitrate film
material due to the grave safety concerns associated with its use.
Assuming that projection of this film is legal in the local area, and
that the booth in question meets all necessary specifications (metal
plates which can be dropped down to cover portholes in case of
accident, fireproof construction, metal door, outside ventilation,
etc.), then one would most likely want to snip off a piece of head or
tail leader of the film and ignite it in order to determine its
flammability, as this varies widely as film goes through various
stages of decomposition. The print should be thoroughly inspected to
ensure that it is not damaged in such a way that it may jam in the
gate and ignite (more likely if the print has shrunk significantly or
has lousy splices). The print should then be run in an attended booth
off of 2000' or 1000' reels, and certainly on a platter or on large
reels, in order to minimize the outcome of any possible disaster. In
between shows, the reels should be stored in metal containers away
from high heat sources.
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