HOW DID IT HAPPEN: It was about 10:00 PM and I was changing an ORC XM2000 H/VC bulb out of a Strong Super Lume-X lamphouse. I've done this many times and I am no stranger to the proceedure (partially the reason why I did not feel the need to use a face mask). I unscrewed the bolted negative connection and made double sure that the bolt was loose. At this point, I unbolted the trigger wire from the positive connection and prepared a plastic case to lay the bulb in after removal. As I began to slide the bulb out of the negative connection I noticed it was tight. Immeadiately I realized this not going to be any ordinary change, but figured I could get the bulb out with no serious trouble and still did not feel the need to grab a mask. Slowly I worked it out of the tight connection. The forked bulb support bracket beyond the reflector did concern me as a possible hazard, but I figured I could get the bulb out by being slow and cautious. Suddenly the bulb pushed free and my slow momentum was enough to throw me of balance, thereby pushing the bulb into - you guessed it - the damned support bracket!

WHAT WAS IT LIKE: Imagine standing in a desert during a sand storm and every grain of sand blowing directly into your right shoulder. The explosion actually occurred as I was falling off balance and, oddly, the reflector saved my face from taking the glass that hit my shoulder. I saw the glass shoot out of the access pannel as if it was exiting the mouth of a cannon, very much and very compacted. When the glass hit my shoulder it felt strange at first, like someone touching you with their finger. Then it felt like hundreds of needles just pricking my skin, but not puncturing. I was wearing a regular polo shirt that night. At this point, I felt some chards of glass striking my glasses, maybe six or seven pieces, when a large hunk hit near the edge. I knew it had to be big because it made a hell of a noise when it bounced off the lens. Thats when it hit me that I didn't have a mask on and this shit was hitting my face! I also let out a fairly audible "Ahhhhhhhh!" (that goes without saying).

THE FINAL VERDICT: That above took less than three seconds I'd say. My first reaction was that there must be glass in my eye after all because I could feel something on my eyelashes. I hung my head straight down and walked downstairs to the concession stand for a free eye exam. Everything looked OK and the staff gathered around to marvel what just happend. The manager was surprized that I wasn't cut-up or bleeding profusly. Only two small blood blisters and a cherry red shoulder, LUCKY I'D SAY!

So yes Tim, I support the fact that glasses do save your eyes, because I'm certain that later on that night I would have been in the Emergency Room at Jameson Hospital instead of enjoying an MGD at Bingo's Lounge.

As far a the equipment is concerned, the reflector was undamaged, and since the dowser was closed, no glass was thrown into the projector head.

I hope my little story helps to bring about some of you who don't wear masks. To those of you who do, NOW I KNOW WHY!

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At Kodak, we always use a full face shield that covers the eyes and neck area, ballistic nylon/Kevlar flak jumpsuit, and heavy gloves.

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John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Professional Motion Imaging
Eastman Kodak Company
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7419
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: 716-477-5325 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com

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Anyhow, I actually had a brand new Elmer Perkin xenon bulb explode on me as I was lifting it out of the box! The protective clothing as well as the heavy plastic bulb wrapper completly protected me and prevented debris from scattering around the booth! I only suffered a temporary heart rate increase !

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