Technically there is no such thing as fireproof.  All fire resistant cabinets and vaults are rated according to their ability to maintain a safe temperature for certain media for a stated period of time.  For example, a four-hour 350 degree rated cabinet would maintain a safe temperature for paper for four hours before the internal temperature exceeds 350 degrees (unsafe temp for paper).  Other media require different temperature ratings, and the time period is part of the organization's risk tolerance decisions.  NFPA 232 Appendix A includes the recommended temperature ratings for various media.

Ginny Jones 
(Virginia A. Jones, CRM, FAI) 
Records Manager 
Information Technology Division 
Newport News Dept. of Public Utilities 
Newport News, VA 
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-----Original Message-----
From: Records Management Program [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Alice Young
Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 9:55 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [RM] Defining "Fire-Resistant" vs. "Fire-Proof"

Hello all!

Thanks to all for your invaluable knowledge and experience.  Where would any of us be without our colleagues?

I am considering the difference(s) between the two terms "fire-resistant" and "fire-proof" and have hit a crossroad.

In my mind, "fire-resistant" allows me to think I have a brief span of time whereby impacted records are in danger, but could be okay, if the fire is brought under control within 2 hours.  Whereas, "fire-proof" does not exist in 99% of cases.

Am I correct?  Or are there cabinets/vaults that truly ARE "fire-proof" that won't cost a ton of gold?  That is, unless Larry Medina is in charge of the vault, and EVERYTHING is secured!

Thank you for your input.

Alice

Alice B. Young, CRM
Records Management Administrator
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
One Jeff Fuqua Boulevard
Orlando FL 32827
407-825-2060 voice
407-825-2526 fax
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"God answers our prayers in His time ..... not ours."
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