2620

CINEMATOGRAPH THEATRES.

11. All cinematograph-film kept on any cinematograph theatre premises, shall, except when actually in use in a cinematograph or similar machine or for the purpose of cleaning, rewinding, packing, or repair, be kept either in a storeroom, or in metal boxes or containers constructed in accordance with the Schedule to these regulations, or of other pattern approved by an Inspector.

12. No cinematograph-film shall be used in any cinematograph theatre in a cinematograph or similar machine unless such machine is contained in a projection-room complying with the requirements of these regulations.

13. Electric light shall be used as the sole illuminant for the purpose of all cinematograph-film projection, and the electric installation shall comply in all respects with the regulations made under the Public Works Amendment Act, 1911, on the 9th day of October, 1922, or any regulations for the time being replacing those regulations.

14. Where the general lighting at the auditorium and exits can be controlled from within the projection-room there shall also be separate and independent means of control outside and away from the projection-room. Such alternative lighting-control shall be so situated as to be readily available to the theatre staff in the event of fire, and shall control such power of lighting as may be approved by an Inspector as adequate for the exit of the audience in case of fire or other emergency.

15. Every projection room shall as regards construction comply with the following conditions:—

(a.) The projection-room shall be substantially constructed of, or lined internally with, fire-resisting material, and shall be of sufficient dimensions to allow the operator to work freely. It shall be erected on substantial supports well clear of the theatre exits.

(b.) The entrance to the projection-room shall be fitted with a self-closing close-fitting door constructed of fire-resisting material and arranged to open outwards.

(c.) The openings through which the necessary pipes and cables pass into the projection-room shall be efficiently bushed.

(d.) The openings in the front face of the enclosure shall not be larger or more in number than is necessary for effective projection and for the working of necessary spot light or spot lights. Such openings shall be of fire-resisting construction and shall be fitted with drop shutters of approved design to cover all the openings, constructed of fire-resisting material, and fitted with a device to operate all the shutters immediately and automatically in case of a fire occurring in the projection-room.

(e.) Efficient ventilation shall be installed in the projection-room to the satisfaction of an Inspector. Such ventilation shall include a flue vent over the machines in the ceiling of the projection-room or other arrangement approved by an Inspector for the purpose of drawing away smoke and flame in case of a film fire. All ventilators shall communicate directly with the open air.

16. Every projection-room shall also comply with the following further conditions:—

(a.) Adequate fire-extinguishing apparatus, including at least two chemical fire-extinguishers of a type approved by the Chief Inspector, shall be kept readily available within every projection-room for use in the event of an outbreak of fire.

(b.) There shall be provided in every projection-room a sufficient fire-resisting self-closing metal box of a type approved by an Inspector for the purpose of holding film not actually in use in a cinematograph-machine.

17. In the case of a building used habitually for cinematograph entertainments the projection-room shall be of a permanent character and the door of such projection-room shall not open into the auditorium of the theatre: Provided that this regulation shall not apply where, in the opinion of an Inspector, such provision is impracticable or, in the circumstances, unnecessary for securing safety.

18. The occupier of every cinematograph theatre shall be held entirely responsible for the proper and safe use of the cinematograph-machines in such cinematograph theatre, and for the maintenance of such cinematograph-machines in accordance with these regulations. Any failure to comply with a requisition by an Inspector for the repair or replacement of such cinematograph-machine or any part thereof, shall be deemed to be a breach of these regulations.

19. Every cinematograph-machine used in any cinematograph theatre and the fittings thereof shall comply with the following conditions:—

(a.) Cinematograph-machines shall be placed on firm supports constructed of fire-resisting material, and shall be provided with a metal shutter, which can be readily inserted between the source of light and the film-gate.

(b.) The film-gate of the machine shall be of massive construction, and shall be provided with ample heat-radiating surface. The passage for the film shall be sufficiently narrow to prevent flame travelling upwards or downwards from the light opening. The film gate shall be provided with an automatic shutter to protect the film from the lamp when the machine is not running.

(c.) The insulating material of all electric cables within the projection-room, including leads to arc lamps, shall be covered with fire-resisting material.

(d.) There shall be no unnecessary slack electric cable within the projection-room. The leads to the cinematograph arc lamp shall, unless conveyed within a metal pipe or other suitable casing, be kept well apart, both within and without the projection-room, and shall run so that the course of each may be readily traced.

(e.) Resistances shall be made entirely of fire-resisting material, and shall be so constructed and maintained that no coil or other part shall at any time become unduly heated. All resistances shall be adequately protected by fixed wire guards, or other efficient means of preventing accidental contact.

(f.) Every cinematograph-machine shall be fitted with automatic winding for taking up the film after passing through the machine. The running of overloaded spools or the running of films without automatic uptake is prohibited.

(g.) Every cinematograph-machine shall be fitted with two metal film-spool-boxes, to and from which the film shall travel. Except as may be approved by the Chief Inspector, such spool-boxes shall not exceed 16 in. in diameter. Such spool-boxes shall be made to close in a manner which will prevent the ingress of fire, and shall be fitted with a film-slot so constructed as to effectually prevent ignition of the film contained therein, and shall be kept closed during the passage of the film through the machine.

(h.) Every cinematograph-machine shall be of such construction and shall be so maintained in full repair and in such condition that it is not liable to cause damage to film or a stoppage in the passage of the film through the machine. No cinematograph-machine shall be used if or so long as it is not of such construction and so maintained as aforesaid.

20. Every operator in charge of any projection-room and every other person in such room (whether employed therein or not) shall comply with the following general rules:—

(a.) The operator shall satisfy himself before the commencement of each performance that all the cinematograph-machines and all cables, leads, connections, resistances, and fire appliances are in proper working-order. If any fault is detected, current shall be immediately switched off, and shall remain switched off until the fault has been remedied.

(b.) The operator shall promptly report in writing to the occupier or manager of the premises any defect in the apparatus or its connections dangerous to life or property, or not in accordance with these regulations, the correction of which he is unable to secure.

(c.) Every cinematograph-operator in charge of any cinematograph-machine during any public performance shall give his undivided attention to the operating of such machine. Such operator shall not leave the projection-room during the performance nor permit any person other than a competent cinematograph-operator to operate the machine.

(d.) No cinematograph-operator shall smoke, or shall permit any other person to smoke, in the projection-room at any time whilst cinematograph-film is present in such projection-room.

(e.) No person shall be allowed in the projection-room during a public performance other than the operator in charge, the occupier or manager of the premises, an approved operator’s assistant, or an Inspector or person duly authorized by an Inspector or by the occupier or manager of the premises.

(f.) No inflammable material shall unnecessarily be taken into or allowed to remain in the projection-room. There shall be no naked lights or fire, or any matches in any projection-room.

(g.) Except as may be provided in the license for the premises, not more than sufficient film for the performance shall be kept in any projection-room during such performance.