Kodak H-182 (ENG)2 - Manual

©Eastman Kodak Company, 2003
This publication will
help you understand
the requirements
to safely handle,
store, transport,
and destroy
cellulose nitrate-based
films.
Environment
I N F O R M A T I O N F R O M K O D A K
H-182 (ENG) $1.00
Safe Handling, Storage, and Destruction
of Nitrate-Based Motion Picture Films
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.
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.
IDENTIFICATION