THEATRE FIREEXTINGUISHERS

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29901, 15 August 1962, Page 17

THEATRE FIREEXTINGUISHERS

Union Favours CO2 Type

Members of the Canterbury, Westland, Nelson and Marlborough Motion Picture Operators’ Union will be advised by their executive not to use carbon tetrachloride fire extinguishers in their theatres.

A special executive meeting was held yesterday morning to discuss the events that occurred at the Odeon Theatre last Thursday evening when two operators in an endeavour to neutralise an electrical switch which had blown in the projection room, were affected by the poisonous fumes of their Are extinguisher.

A. statement issued aftej he meeting by the secretary of the union (Mr B. Alderdice > said that carbon tetrachloride extinguishers were installed in the projection box for use by the operators.

' This type of extinguisher carries a warning that it is not to be used in confined spaces because of the lethal nature of the fumes and investigation now reveals that more suitable equipment is available,” says the statement.

“The Municipal Electricity Department does not use the carbon tetrachloride equipment on electrical fires and the Christchurch Fire Board authorities now favour the installation of CO2 extinguishers for this type of enclosed theatre use.” said the statement.

“The meeting decided to take this question up on a national basis urging immediate replacement to ensure that every theatre in New Zealand is made aware of the potential danger and is fitted with Are protection equipment with the maximum safety contents to both operators and theatre-goers,” said Mr Alderdice. In the meantime the union had decided to advise its members not to use carbon tetrachloride extinguishers. “In the event of a situation occurring members will be advised to switch on the house lights, switch off all equipment, leave the operating box and then advise the manager of the trouble. “Some theatres have already changed to CO2 and members need not be concerned. The Odeon is now in possession of the CO2 type of extinguishers, but on inquiry from the membership reveals that the majority of the city theatres are still equipped with carbon tetrachloride extinguishers,” the statement concluded.