3D Innovations H-182 (ENG)2 manual Safe Handling, Preservation and Storage, Deterioration

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 1/4- inch 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.

DETERIORATION

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:

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 (202) 707-5840

Fax (202) 707-2371

National Archives and Records

Adminstration at College Park

8601 Adelphi Road

College Park, MD 20740

Phone (301) 713-6700

Fax (301) 713-2371

Federation of International Film Archives (FIFA)

FIFA Secretariat

rue Franz Merjay 190

1180 Bruxelles/Brussels

Phone 32-2-343-06-91 Fax 32-2-343-76-22

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

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.
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.

nitrate films that have reached the third stage of decomposition, or that have no historical value, should be destroyed at an authorized facility.

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