ISO 10356-1996 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 10356:1996 — Cinematography — Storage and handling of nitrate‑base motion‑picture films. Defines safety, storage and handling practices for motion‑picture films made on cellulose nitrate base (nitrate‑base film) and gives recommendations for identification, storage containers, room limits, ventilation and emergency measures for collections of nitrate film.

Abstract

This International Standard specifies safety aspects for the handling and storage of nitrate‑base motion‑picture films (those that do not meet the requirements of safety film defined in ISO 543). It covers identification, inspection, storage container recommendations (metal cans), room design and limits, ventilation and fire‑safety measures, and guidance on duplication to safety stock and disposal of deteriorated nitrate film.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed as current international standard following periodic review cycles).
• Publication date: November 1996 (ISO publication: 1996‑11).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: Cinematography / motion‑picture film — commonly catalogued under ICS class for motion‑picture films (e.g., 37.060.20).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (First edition, 1996).
• Number of pages: 9 pages (ISO official record). Some distributors list a slightly different printed‑format page count (e.g., 12 pages) depending on cover/format.

Scope

ISO 10356:1996 applies to all nitrate‑base motion‑picture films in photographic systems where the film base does not comply with the safety film requirements of ISO 543. The standard gives practical safety and preservation guidance for storage rooms, handling procedures, inspection for deterioration, the need for timely duplication to safety stock, and measures to confine and control fire and toxic fumes in the event of deterioration or ignition. It is intended for archives, museums, laboratories and facilities that hold historical nitrate film collections.

Key topics and requirements

• Identification of nitrate‑base film vs safety film (reference to ISO 543 for criteria).
• Inspection criteria and indicators of nitrate deterioration (colour changes, strong odour, exudation; test methods referenced).
• Storage in individual metal cans (aluminium or stainless steel) with fitted but unsealed closures for non‑deteriorated rolls awaiting duplication.
• Room design and limits: keep nitrate film in dedicated rooms or chambers, limit quantity per room (examples/guidance such as suggested maximum quantities to reduce fire load), and isolate rooms so fumes cannot reach other areas.
• Fire‑safety systems and ventilation: recommendation for appropriate ventilation, fire sensors, water sprinklers and containment so any conflagration can be confined.
• Requirement to duplicate images to stable safety stock while images remain useful; after duplication, recommended destruction of the nitrate duplicate.
• Practical handling guidance for transport and temporary storage (use of metal cans, segregation, labelling and record‑keeping).

Typical use and users

Primary users are film archives, national and regional cultural heritage institutions, museums, cinematheques, restoration laboratories, conservation specialists, storage facility designers and safety officers tasked with care of historical film collections. The standard is used to create safe storage policies, retrofit storage rooms, set inspection schedules and define workflows for duplicating nitrate materials onto stable film stocks.

Related standards

ISO 543 (Photography — Specifications for safety film) is the principal related standard referenced for distinguishing safety film from nitrate‑base film. Other related national and international guidance for film preservation, storage construction and fire safety may also be consulted alongside ISO 10356 when designing facilities and procedures.

Keywords

nitrate film, cellulose nitrate, motion‑picture film, film preservation, storage and handling, fire safety, duplication to safety stock, ISO 10356, ISO 543, cinematography.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10356:1996 is an International Standard that provides safety and preservation guidance specifically for nitrate‑base motion‑picture films — films on a cellulose nitrate base that are chemically unstable and present special fire and deterioration hazards.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers identification and inspection of nitrate film, safe handling practices, recommendations for storage containers (metal cans), design and limits for storage rooms (including ventilation and fire‑safety measures), and the recommended practice of duplicating images to safety stock and disposing of nitrate duplicates.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Film archivists, museum and cultural heritage staff, restoration labs, safety officers and storage designers who manage or store historical motion‑picture collections that include nitrate‑base film.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 10356 was published in November 1996 and, according to ISO lifecycle records and confirmations following periodic review, remains a published International Standard (it has been through ISO review cycles and was confirmed in subsequent reviews). Users should confirm any national adoptions or superseding documents in their jurisdiction before assuming applicability.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ISO’s body of cinematography standards and is directly related to ISO 543 (safety film specifications). Practitioners commonly consult ISO 543 and other cinematography and preservation standards alongside ISO 10356.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Nitrate film, cellulose nitrate, motion‑picture preservation, storage, handling, fire safety, duplication to safety stock, metal cans, ISO 10356, ISO 543.