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NATIONAL ZOO TRAINING FILMS COLLECTION, 1968-1981 #685
(2 cubic feet: 15 - 16mm films)
by: Brandy E. Hughes, August 2002
History
This collection of safety films comes from the Smithsonian National Zoo in
Washington D.C. Presumably these films were acquired during the 1970s and shown
to employees at the Zoo as a means of instilling safe practices within the
workplace. Their specific history and background is unknown. However, each film
provides full credits and the distributors and producers are listed.
The training film serves the purpose of educating employees, reflecting the
interests of the corporation, and encouraging safe practices within the
workplace. A sub-genre of training films, is a category dealing solely with
safety issues. The safety film is supposed to promote safe living and the
elimination of harmful or dangerous working conditions. Originally made by
corporations such as auto-manufacturers, railroad companies, and insurance
businesses, these films tend to communicate the interests of the corporation
versus that of the employee. Frequently, these films tend to place the blame on
the victim, shifting any responsibility for accidents away from management and
onto the worker. As a result the safety film focuses more on the accidents that
occur than the actual safety issues. Often the film presents a melodramatic
story of an employee’s tragic accident, and selectively illustrates the pain
and suffering undergone in the workplace.
Scope and Content
The collection includes 15 16mm composite optical track sound films of
varying length. The films are mostly color, with the exception of two
black/white films. The collection consists of one series.
Provenance
This collection of safety films was transferred to the Archives Center by the
Smithsonian National Zoo. No records of the transfer exist.
Container List
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OF 685.1 |
Hands, c. 1975
Physical Description: 16mm color composite optical track print, 200 ft
Copyright:
Producer/Distributor: Produced by the Industrial Accident Prevention
Association (IAPA), Ontario, Canada. Distributed by the International Film
Bureau, Inc. Chicago, Illinois.
Performer:
Summary: Seventies’ style montage sequence depicting a woman’s
hands, as well as the objects and dangerous elements the hands come in
contact with. Set to music. |
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OF 685.2 |
Feet, c. 1975
Physical Description: 16mm color composite optical track print, 200 ft.
Copyright:
Producer/Distributor: Produced by IAPA, and distributed by the
International Film Bureau, Inc.
Performer:
Summary: Seventies’ style montage sequence of bare feet as they come
into contact with dangerous elements within the workplace. Warning for
employees to wear comfortable and safe shoes in order to protect their
feet. Set to music. |
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OF 685.2 |
Eyes, c. 1975
Physical Description: 16mm color composite optical track print, 200 ft.
Copyright:
Producer/Distributor: Produced by IAPA, and distributed by the
International Film Bureau, Inc.
Performer:
Summary: Seventies’ style montage sequence of eyes as they are
exposed to dangerous elements within the workplace, such as chemicals,
dust, and explosions. Warning for employees that protective eye wear, like
goggles, is a necessity for safe handling of machinery and chemicals.
Set to music. |
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OF 685.4 |
Slips and Falls, c. 1970s
Physical Description: 16mm color composite optical track print, 200 ft.
Copyright:
Producer/Distributor: Produced by IAPA, and distributed by the
International Film Bureau, Inc.
Performer:
Summary: Seventies’ style montage sequence of people tripping over
various objects, slipping on wet floors, and crashing into equipment.
Warning for employees that in order to prevent injury, they should
properly cleanup any mess, and carefully watch out for any hazards or
obstructions in the workplace. Set to music. |
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OF 685.5 |
Striking Against Objects, c. 1974
Physical Description: 16mm color composite optical track print, 200 ft.
Copyright:
Producer/Distributor: Produced by IAPA, and distributed by the
International Film Bureau, Inc.
Performer:
Summary: Seventies style montage sequence of people crashing into
equipment and other objects, which are carelessly left out of place.
Warning for employees that in order to keep the workplace safe for
everyone, each person must remember to pick up after themselves, and keep
equipment and supplies neat. Set to music. |
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OF 685.6 |
You Bet Your Eyes, c. 1970s
Physical Description: 16mm color composite optical track print, 600 ft.
Copyright:
Producer/Distributor: Produced by the Vision Care and Safety Products
Division of American Optical (AO). Distributed by the Tom Thomas
Organization.
Performer:
Summary: Reviews the dangerous elements that eyes are exposed to on a
daily basis, especially in chemical plants and factories. Warns employees
to wear protective eye goggles at all times to prevent damage to their
sight. Includes the story of a man who loses his eyesight because of his
own careless and unsafe practices within the workplace. Set to music. |
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OF 685.7 |
Eye & Face Protection in Chemical Laboratories, c. 1968
Physical Description: 16mm color composite optical track print, 850 ft.
Copyright:
Producer/Distributor: Produced by Edward Feil Productions, Cleveland,
Ohio. Distributed in cooperation with the National Society for the
Prevention of Blindness.
Performer: Dr. George Norman Quam, an expert on eye care narrates.
Summary: Depiction of hazardous situations within the chemical
laboratory, in which protective eye goggles should be worn. Includes
safety tips, and demonstrates the proper guidelines for the wearing and
usage of goggles and face shields. |
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OF 685.8 |
A Breath of Air, c. 1979
Physical Description: 16mm color composite optical track print, 450 ft.
Copyright:
Producer/Distributor: Produced by AO, and distributed by the
International Films Bureau Inc.
Performer:
Summary: Warning against the inhalation of hazardous fumes and chemical
pollution. Emphasis is on the necessity of clean air, and how to prevent
injury to the lungs by wearing a mask in the workplace. |
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OF 685.9 |
One Last Shock, c. 1970s
Physical Description: 16mm color composite optical track print, 850 ft.
Copyright:
Producer/Distributor: Produced by Millbank Films Limited, and
distributed by the International Film Bureau, Inc.
Performer:
Summary: British training film illustrating the hazards of electricity.
Presents a narrative story of unsafe and careless practices leading to the
death of a factory worker from electrical shock. Offers an explanation of
safety measures, and why these practices are crucial to the prevention of
disaster. Full credits. |
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OF685.11 |
Doin’ it Right, c. 1983
Physical Description: 16mm color composite optical track print, 900 ft.
Copyright:
Producer/Distributor: Presented by Division of School Buildings, NYC
Public Schools. Produced by Battelle Memorial Institute Center for
Improved Education in Columbus, Ohio.
Performer: Gabe Kaplan, star of the popular sitcom, "Welcome Back
Kotter," narrates the introduction. The rest of the film is narrated
by Bob Sawyer. Features music by the BeeGees ("Stayin’ Alive,"
1977). Summary: Detailed explanation of asbestos, the dangers it poses to
our health, and the importance of precautionary measures to prevent
exposure. These include frequent building inspections and regular health
checkups. |
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OF685.12 |
Have a Good Day Dear, c. 1970s
Physical Description: 16mm color composite optical track print, 650 ft.
Copyright:
Producer/Distributor: Produced by David Evans, and Millbank Films
Limited, an ICI subsidiary. Distributed by the International Film Bureau,
Inc.
Performer:
Summary: Detailed narrative about accidents and preventative measures.
Analyzes some causes, such as poor housekeeping within the workplace, and
untrained employees. Emphasis is on how "we" create hazards
within our environment. |
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OF685.13 |
It’s in the Cards, c. 1970s
Physical Description: 16mm black/white composite optical track print,
800 ft.
Copyright:
Producer/Distributor: Produced by Crawley Films, and distributed by the
International Film Bureau Inc.
Performer: Mr. D.W. Ambridge, president of Abitibi Power and Paper
Company, Limited narrates.
Summary: Depiction of hazards and accidents at mill factories, due to
the improper usage of signs. Explanation of the necessity of "holding
cards" in order to alert workers that a machine or piece of equipment
is undergoing maintenance. This prevents hazardous situations, which
result in injury or even death. |
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OF685.14
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It Didn’t Have to Happen, c. 1970s
Physical Description: 16mm black/white composite optical track print,
600 ft.
Copyright:
Producer/Distributor: Produced by Crawley Films, and distributed by the
International Film Bureau Inc.
Performer:
Summary: A horrific narrative story that explains the proper usage of
cutting machines and other types of equipment with saw blades. Emphasis is
on how workers can safely use these instruments and prevent disastrous
accidents. |
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OF685.15 |
The Industrial Weightlifter II, c. 1981
Physical Description: 16mm color composite optical track print, 500 ft.
Copyright:
Producer/Distributor: Produced by Lockwood Films Inc. (London), in
association with Lever Detergent Limited, and Hilroy Limited.
Performer: Fred Blaney, head of the Industrial Accident Prevention
Association (IAPA) narrates.
Summary: Reviews the correct techniques for lifting heavy objects.
Includes a lesson on the structure of the back, and an explanation of
spinal cord injuries due to improper lifting. |
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OF685.16
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Run the Team, c. 1975
Physical Description: 16mm color composite optical track print, 450 ft.
Copyright:
Producer/Distributor: This is a part of the Safety Management Film
Series, produced by the National Safety Council. Distributed by the
International Film Bureau Inc.
Performer:
Summary: Training film for members of management, detailing how to
successfully operate and run a safety team. Included are four fundamental
principles for team leaders to follow: review accident experience,
continue department inspections, safeguard all equipment, and eliminate
unsafe practices. |
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