950 CMR, § 39.06

Current through Register 1536, December 6, 2024

Section 39.06 - Storage

Standards for storing original or duplicate film shall comply with Processed Safety Photographic Film - Storage, ANSI IT 9.11. In regard to the original film, the following storage standards shall be met:

(1)Film Enclosures. Film enclosures shall be chemically stable and shall meet the requirements of ANSI IT 9.2.

Materials used for film enclosures shall be free of acids and peroxides that may be released over time and cause degradation of the film. Paper and paperboard materials shall meet the requirements of the photographic activity test as outlined in ANSI IT 9.2.

Only enclosures of inert plastic or non-corrodingmetal such as anodized aluminum or stainless steel shall be used. Steel will be permitted only if such reels are well-protected by lacquer, enamel, tinning, or other corrosion-resistant finish.

Enclosure materials shall be sufficiently fire-resistive that they will not ignite or emit reactive fumes after heating for four hours at 150°F. Melting and distortion of the enclosure materials after such heating shall not damage or prevent the film from being removed from the enclosure.

Plastics and lacquers that might give off reactive fumes or emissions during storage shall not be used. Suitable plastic enclosure materials are photographic film support material such as uncoated polyester or cellulose acetate. Highly plasticized sheetings or coatings shall not be used. The plastics must be free of peroxides.

The use of rubber bands, tape, paper strips, etc. for fastening film onto reels or cores is prohibited. The materials used shall not ignite, decompose, or develop reactive fumes or vapors. Filmonreels may be confined by tucking the film end between the roll and the flange.

All adhesives shall meet the standards of ANSI IT 9.2.

(2)Storage Containers. The film shall be packaged either in chemically stable containers of metal or inert plastic of proven quality or paper-board boxes of low acidic composition. Plastics and lacquers that might give off reactive fumes or emissions during storage shall not be used. The plastics must be free of peroxides. All containers and adhesives shall meet the standards of ANSI IT 9.2. Containers shall be sealed when necessary to maintain prescribed humidity limits or to protect the film against gaseous impurities. If proper temperature and humidity are maintained as prescribed in 950 CMR 39.06(4), and if there is good ventilation and cleanair in the storage area, the containers need not be sealed. Each container shall be properly labeled with the series title, reel numbers, and number of documents (where possible). All inks used for labeling shall pass the photographic activity test outlined in ANSI IT 9.2.

(3)Storage Housings. Micro film shall be stored in closed housings such as drawers or shelving units equipped with doors, unless the film is in closed containers, in which case open racks and shelves may be used. Storage housings shall be noncorrosive and noncombustible. Air conditioning or ventilation shall be provided in accordance with ANSI IT 9.11.

(4)Storage Facilities. All original film shall be housed in clean, dust-free, environmentally controlled circumstances affording the maximum in security. All storage areas shall be constructed and maintained in accordance with Processed Safety Photographic Film - Storage, ANSI IT9.11.

Heat and humidity can deform the film base and weaken the emulsion. Since the emulsion is an organic product, mold growth can also occur. The average relative humidity in areas in which first generation, master film is stored shall be between 20% and 30% with daily fluctuations not to exceed 5%. Temperature shall not exceed 70°F. with lower temperatures providing better keeping characteristics.

Storage areas shall be equipped with air filters since air-entrained impurities, in the form of particulates, can cause abrasion of the film and certain fumes may react with the film to degrade the image .

First generation, master film shall be stored in fire resistant safes or vaults. Safes shall be UL Class 150 rated four hours. Vaults shall provide protection equivalent to ANSI/NFPA 232 except that provision for air-conditioning shall be made in accordance with ANSI IT9.11. Except in fire resistant buildings, all safes shall be on ground-supported flooring.

950 CMR, § 39.06