We know that paper spontaneously combusts at 350º F.  We know that
microfilm is rendered damaged beyond use at 150º F in the presence of
high humidity and we know that computer media fails at 125º F when the
humidity is greater than 80% per the UL Test Requirements.  Or do we?

Certain publications now refer to destruction occurring at temperatures
as low as 89º F ( 32º-34º C).  I was told "The Europeans, both ISO and
ECMA both differentiate between long term environmental conditions, and
short term peak conditions. The peak condition is 32 deg C."

Has anyone seen an exact publication which references the exact
temperature point at which different types of media fail. Magnetically
coded media fails at 122º F to 125º F because the magnetic message foes
back to random state.  But media encoded using lasers to create bubbles
( blisters of delamination) create a more fragile media with regard to
heat.

While this is more complicated and Isoperm Lines (Lines of constant
life plotted as a function of temperature and relative humidity.) have
to be added to the discussion, there should be a fixed point for every
type of media at which it ceases to be readable.

Now I just spent 75 Swiss Francs (CHF, I hope these are 1/3 of a US
Dollar but I fear not.) to buy ISO 18925 "Imaging Materials - Storage
Practices" and I am no smarter.  I previously bought three other
Standards and BR 5454 and before I buy ISO 18921 which plots life
expectancies I wanted to see if one of my esteemed colleagues could
provide this information.

Now I feel you owe me this, because every time a records manager asks
me a question, they follow up after the answer with "What is your
source on that?" and "Could you provide me the exact text for my
report?" and bingo I am out another bunch of Swiss Francs.

I am starting to think the whole ISO thing is a racket.  They write the
same thing is four different Standards. And who let the Swiss get
control of this stuff?

We should write a White Paper from the Listserv to the Media
Manufacturers Assn telling them to start developing a more stable
media.  Shoot!!  The temperature inside a Blade Server is hotter than
the what the Standards say the short Term Peak Temperature can be for
media.  Plus we need to take the Server Manufacturers to task as well!
If your Air Conditioning System even hiccups the temperature inside the
Blade Servers will climb so fast they are a fire hazard.Am I the only
one that thinks this is stupid?

In NFPA 232 will forbid the storage of cellulose nitrate film inside a
vault or records center because they are such a fire and explosive
hazard.  But the computer industry accepts servers that are a huge risk
without one comment.  But I digress!

All I am looking for is a simple chart that says when the temperature
of the media exceeds  X:
3480  Toast at 125
DLT  Toast at 150
Magstar Toast at 125
CD-ROM Toast at 89

If such a thing exists.

Hugh Smith
FIRELOCK Fireproof Modular Vaults
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(610)  756-4440    Fax (610)  756-4134
WWW.FIRELOCK.COM

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