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Safe Handling, Storage, and Destruction of Nitrate-Based Motion Picture Films • H-182 (ENG)
3
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 1000-
foot 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,
(800) 814-1333 or (213) 468-1574.
STORAGE
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.
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.
PROJECTION