X-RAY FILM STORAGE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20309, 17 July 1929, Page 12

X-RAY FILM STORAGE.

AUCKLAND HOSPITAL SUPPLY

REDUCING DANGER OF FIRE

The need for safely housing tho Auckland Hospital's large supply of X-ray films so as to minimise fire risks was discussed at a meeting of the Hospital Board yesterday. It was suggested that a special tire-proof building should be erected for (he purpose, but it was decided to inform the Health Department of existing storage facilities before any action was taken. Mr. W. H. Watt. Acting-Director General of Health, wrote stating that the recent disasters in American hospitals through the ignition and explosion of films emphasised the need for safeguards. It was believed the risk of fire would be greatly minimised if all films were kept in steel or steel-lined receptacles away from heat A special report was submitted by Dr. Neil McDougall, senior honorary radiologist, stating that only a week's supply of unexposed films was kept in (he darkloom in a wooden cupboard. Thero were never rnoro than 288 of these. As soon as each day's work was reported ori, exposed films were filed in the cardboard boxes in which they wero supplied and stored on wooden shelves iri the photographic room. These films totalled about 30,000, representing tho accumulation of threo years. All films were destroyed after being kept for three years. Both the dark room and the photographic room were largo and well ventilated and the films were not in contact with any heat which might cause a risk of firo. Quite recontly 10,000 exposed films were burned without mishap in the hospital destructor. In viow of the recent disasters in two American hospitals it appeared that in order to reduce tho risk of firo to a minimum, the bulk of tho exposed films at present filed in tho X-ray department should bo transferred to a specially-con-structed vault remote from the hospital buildings. It was hoped that in tho near future a fire-proof film would bo supplied by the makers. Dr. E. B. Gunson said the present storage room in tho Wallace Wards was practically fireproof. The ventilation was excellent and there did not appear to be any need to spend a large sum in erecting a special building until more elaborate proposals had been made by tho department. It was decided to forward Dr. McDougall's report to the department.