Storage Facility Requirements for Original Microfilm Media

Original microfilm must be stored in a separate building from that in which duplicate copies, if any, or the original records are housed, and under conditions that meet the requirements of this section. Microfilm must be stored in a storage room or vault that complies with the following:
  • Films of different generic types, such as silver-gelatin, diazo, and vesicular films, must not be stored in the same storage room/vault or in rooms sharing common ventilation.
  • Pack microfilm tightly to prevent oxidation.
  • Store your records in a dark place and limit exposure to light.
  • Is stored separate from other types of storage, offices, or work areas and offers protection from fire, water, steam, structural collapse, unauthorized access, and other potential hazards.
  • Is equipped with a fire alarm system and capable of preventing temperatures inside the storage room/vault from exceeding 150 degrees Fahrenheit and the relative humidity inside the storage room/vault from exceeding 85% for up to two hours in the event of a fire external to the storage room/vault.
  • If constructed or readapted after 1991 to serve as a microfilm storage facility, is equipped with a fire suppression system and with automatic fire control dampers in ducts carrying air to and from the storage room/vault.
  • If needed, is equipped with a system capable of removing those gaseous impurities in the surrounding environment as specified in standard ANSI IT9.11.
  • If subject to invasion of solid particles that can abrade film or react on the images, has mechanical filters or electrostatic precipitators installed with a cleaning efficiency of at least 80% when tested with atmospheric air in accordance with standard ANSI IT9.11.
  • Has approximately 0.05 inch of pressure above atmospheric pressure, e.g., a positive air pressure is maintained within the storage room or vault.
  • Has adequate temperature and humidity controls.
  • Keep your storage facility clean.
  • Don’t paint rooms without removing your microfilm first. Allow three months for paint to dry before replacing film in storage.
  • Handle your microfilm carefully and use gloves as much as is logical to reduce oil residue transferring from your hands to the film.
  • Place acid-detection strips (A-D strips) next to your microfilm to catch increases in acetic acid as soon as possible.
  • If film shows signs of degradation, determine which form of decay is happening and separate and quarantine film that is affected. This will help mitigate the possibility of other records contracting the issue.