3D Innovations H-182 (ENG)2 Benutzerhandbuch

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

 

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 H-182 (ENG)

  2

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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