Cellulose Nitrate Film Base. Synonyms: Nitrate, Celluloid

Cellulose Nitrate was used for most film formats from the start of the cinema except for some 28mm, 9.5mm, Standard 8mm and Super 8mm. 16mm is almost always safety; 16mm nitrate is very rare - Russia sometimes slit 35mm nitrate into 16mm.

Cellulose Nitrate is HIGHLY INFLAMMABLE (see pictures below of a nitrate fire), can spontaneously combust, self ignite and decomposes.

A piece of film about 1/8" inch wide is put in a bulldog clip with a similar piece of known acetate film.  A lighted match is applied to the safety film; it will not burn upwards.  The flame is applied to the nitrate and it will rapidly burn upwards

The first safety film base was Cellulose Diacetate introduced for 28mm amateur format in 1911.  Cellulose TriAcetate introduced around 1940.

Cellulose Nitrate is highly inflammable and requires care when transporting.

It needs to be kept cool, dry and packed properly so that the reels do not move about in the cans. 

Nitrate film cannot be sent through the post or carried on public transport.  The regulations controlling the use of nitrate film are the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations know as DSEAR.

One of the most important parts of the regulations is the duty of Care. If you ask a courier to transport nitrate you must ensure they are aware of the Health and Safety requirements.  You have a duty of care towards the courier and the public whilst the film is being transported. 

More than 50 cans require a DANGEROUS GOODS DISPATCH NOTE.

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