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INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD 5466
Third edition
1992-12-15
Photography - Processed safety photographic
films - Storage practices
Photographie - Films photographiques de sécurité traités - Directives
pour l'archivage
Reference number
IS0 5466:1992( E)
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IS0 5466:1992(E)
Foreword
IS0 (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide
federation of national standards bodies (IS0 mernber bodies). The work
of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through IS0
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for
which a technical committee has been established has the right to be
represented on that committee. International organizations, govern-
mental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the
work. IS0 collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
Draft International Standards adopted by the technical committees are
circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an Inter-
national Standard requires approval by at least 75% of the member
bodies casting a vote.
IS0 5466 was prepared by Technical Committee
International Standard
ISO/TC 42, Photography.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition
(IS0 5466:1986), of which it constitutes a technical revision.
Annexes A, B, C, D, E, F and G of this International Standard are for in-
formation only.
O IS0 1992
All rights reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without
permission in writing from the publisher
International Organization for Standardization
Case Postale 56 CH-I211 Genève 20 Switzerland
Printed in Switzerland
ii
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IS0 5466:1992(E)
I nt rod uct i on
Photographic film is an important documentary and pictorial material.
There is a recognized need for information on safeguarding photo-
graphic film having legal, scientific, industrial, artistic or historical value.
The value of such records used in archives, museums, libraries,
government, commerce and universities has focused attention on the
care of such records to ensure their longest possible life Cl1 Pl.
Films are susceptible to degradation from many sources. These factors
can be divided into three general categories:
Nature of the photographic film
The stability of photographic film records depends on the physical
and chemical nature of the film. Only safety photographic films are
suitable for storage, the specification for safety photographic film
being described in IS0 543.
For preservation purposes, film can be given three classifications:
1) medium-term;
2) long-term; and
3) archival.
The best film material for preservation is silver-gelatin type film
which meets the requirements of IS0 10602 for archival film.
This International Standard also applies to processed colour, diazo
(see IS0 8225) and vesicular (see IS0 9718) films. Although these
film types are not archival, they can be medium-term or long-term
and excellent keeping experience has been obtained with many of
them.
For optimum preservation of photographic information, archival film
should be used and it should be stored under archival storage con-
di tions.
Photographic processing of the film
For silver-gelatin type archival film, IS0 10602 specifies a maximum
residual thiosulfate level and a maximum residual silver compounds
level.
For diazo film, IS0 8225 specifies a proper development test.
IS0 9718 includes both a proper development test and a residual
diazonium salt test for vesicular film.
iii
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IS0 5466:1992( E)
c) Storage conditions
The conditions under which safety photographic film records should
be stored are extremely important for the preservation of film and
are the subject of this International Standard.
The important elements affecting preservation of processed film are
humidity, temperature and pollutants of the air, as well as the haz-
ards of water, light, fungal growth, insects, microbiological attack,
contact with certain chemicals in solid, liquid of gaseous form, and
physical damage.
The extent to which humidity, temperature, atmospheric contami-
nants or variations thereof can be permitted to reach beyond rec-
ommended limits without producing adverse effects will depend
upon the duration of exposure, on biological conditions conducive to
fungal growth, and on the accessibility of this atmosphere to the film
surfaces.
Exposure to high temperatures and more particularly to high hu-
midities can lead to degradation of the film supports and the photo-
graphic emulsion Pl [4l Pl. Cellulose ester base films are more
J
subject to base degradation than polyester base films.
The recommendations of this International Standard also pertain to
fire protection, and inspection. This International Standard does not
give recommendations concerning protection against natural or
man-made catastrophes, with the exception of fire and associated
hazards which are sufficiently common to warrant inclusion of pro-
tection measures.
Storage conditions for photographic records are of two classes:
1) medium-term; and
2) archival.
The storage protection provided by each class will differ in degree
because of the cost of providing storage facilities, desired record life
and frequency of record use. Storage conditions may be chosen
within specified limits representing a satisfactory compromise be-
tween degree of protection required and practical considerations of
immediate availability.
In addition to the specifications in this International Standard, good
storage pratices should consider the filing enclosure. These are
covered in IS0 10214.
iv
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD IS0 5466:1992(E)
Photography - Processed safety photographic films -
Storage practices
2 Normative references
1 Scope
The following standards contain provisions which,
- 1.1 This International Standard gives recommen-
through reference in this text, constitute provisions
dations concerning the storage conditions, storage
of this International Standard. At the time of publi-
facilities, handling and inspection for all processed
cation, the editions indicated were valid. All stan-
safety photographic films (hereafter referred to as
dards are subject to revision, and parties to
photographic film) in roll, strip, aperture-card or
agreements based on this International Standard
sheet form, regardless of size.
are encouraged to investigate the possibility of ap-
plying the most recent editions of the standards in-
1.2 This International Standard applies only to dicated below. Members of IEC and IS0 maintain
safety photographic film (see IS0 543). Nitrate base registers of currently valid International Standards.
films are hazardous and unstable and are not
covered by this International Standard [el VI. IS0 543:1990, Photography - Photographic films -
Specifications for safety film.
1.3 The storage of photographic paper and photo-
IS0 10214:1991, Photography - Processed photo-
graphic plates requires different considerations and
graphic materials - Filing enclosures for storage.
these are not covered in this International Standard
but are covered in IS0 6051 and IS0 3897, respec-
tively.
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this International Standard, the
1.4 This International Standard applies to archival
fol low i ng de fi n it ions a p p I y.
and medium-term storage of photographic film as
defined in clause 3.
3.1 safety photographic film: Film meeting the
specifications as defined in IS0 543.
1.5 This International Standard applies to photo-
graphic film records intended as storage copies,
3.2 medium-term film: A photographic film which is
which should not be in frequent use. This Inter-
suitable for the preservation of records for a mini-
national Standard does not apply to “work” or
mum of 10 years under “medium-term” storage
“use” copies (see annex A).
conditions, providing the original images are of
suitable quality.
1.6 This International Standard, while intended for
materials that are well processed, should also be of 3.3 long-term film: A photographic film which is
suitable for the preservation of records for a mini-
considerable value in prolonging the useful life of
mum of 100 years under “archival” storage con-
photographic film whose processing conditions are
ditions, providing the original images are of suitable
unknown, or that have been toned, retouched or
have markings with materials of uncertain or un- quality.
known stability. It is not intended to predict or assign
a useful lifetime to photographic film stored in ac- 3.4 archival film: A photographic film which is suit-
cordance with the specifications of this International able for the preservation of records having perma-
Standard. nent value under archival storage conditions.l)
1) Films suitable for archival records are specified in IS0 10602.
1
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IS0 5466:1992(E)
3.5 medium-term storage: Those storage con-
stored in roll form. Rolls shall all be wound tightly
ditions suitable for ensuring a minimum useful life
but not under extreme tensions. A tension of 0,3 N
of 10 years for medium-term films.
for a 35 mm width is recommended. Rolls, mounted
on cores, shall be stored with the core axis vertical.
3.6 archival storage: Those storage conditions If it is necessary to store rolls less than 20 cm in di-
suitable for the preservation of photographic film
ameter with the core axis horizontal, the roll shall
having permanent value.
be supported so that the lower part of the roll does
not support the weight of the roll.
NOTES
Motion picture film shall be wound with the emulsion
1
Archival storage conditions will prolong the useful life
surface on the inside of the roll as this improves
of both archival and non-archival films.
subsequent projection performance Cl01,
2 The term “archival” as used in photography and de-
Rolls of photographic film should be preferably
fined as in this International Standard is frequently being
to provide protection
stored in closed containers
misapplied in related fields of imaging. ISO/TC 42 will
therefore replace the term “archival storage” with
against dirt and physical damage unless the film is
“extended-term storage” or specify a “life expectancy
protected by the storage housing (see clause 5).
(LE)” classification in future editions of its standards.
Colour and diazo films shall be stored in closed,
opaque enclosures or be otherwise protected from
3.7 fire-protection storage: Facilities designed to
light exposure. Suitable enclosures are containers
protect photographic film against excessive tem-
with telescoping, slip-type or threaded twist-on lids.
-
peratures, water and other fire-fighting agents,
The materials used shall meet the same require-
steam developed by insulation of safes, and col-
ments as those for cores and reels. Closed enclos-
lapsing structures.
ures are not necessarily airtight and may give
limited access to ambient air. Therefore, if they are
3.8 insulated record container: Container as de-
used, the humidity of the ambient air shall not ex-
fined in appropriate national standards and regu-
ceed the recommended limits.
I at ions .z)
Protective enclosures made from impermeable ma-
3.9 fire-resistant vault: Vault as defined in appro-
terials shall be used where needed to maintain hu-
priate national standards and regulations.3)
midity limits of the film (see clause 7), to protect
against gaseous impurities in the atmosphere or
3.10 open enclosure: Enclosure which is intended
when low-temperature storage is used. Cardboard
for physical protection against mechanical damage
enclosures are not recommended for microfilm be-
but is neither lighttight nor airtight.
cause of the danger of their producing microscopic
blemishes (see annex F). Suitable enclosures are
Reels, cores, spools, cassettes, magazines, folders,
closed containers with friction-type or threaded,
envelopes, cartons, sleeves, transparency mounts
twist-on lids having an incorporated seal. Rubber
and aperture cards are examples of open enclos-
gaskets shall not be used. Flip-top, hinged or tele-
ures.
scoping lids can be used, but the joint shall be
sealed by several wraps of pressure-sensitive ad-
3.11 protective enclosure: Lighttight, impermeable
hesive tape having low gas permeability. Taped -
container used for protection from outside factors
cans within h ea t-sea led foi I bags provide addition a I
such as reactive gases and moisture, including
protection from high humidity. If tape is used, rou-
relative humidity changes.
2 years is rec-
tine retaping of joints every
ommended; in any case, if the tape seal is
Taped cans and sealed envelopes are examples of
observably deficient in integrity, it shall be replaced.
protect ive enclos u res.
Any film which is not essentially free from gas re-
lease4) shall be stored in separate storage rooms
4 Film enclosures
(see clause 6). Polystyrene, polypropylene or
polyethylene enclosures are preferable to cardboard
4.1 Film in roll form
or metal enclosures for such films.
4.1.1 Medium-term storage enclosures
For maximum storage life, photographic film shall
be in a clean condition before being placed in stor-
Aerial film, microfilm, motion-picture film and some
age.
portrait films are wound on reels or cores and
2) Example: Class 150 of UL 72 [*I.
3) Example: NFPA 232 C9J.
4) Some vesicular films give off acidic fumes which can interact with silver, diazo or dye-gelatin type films.
2
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IS0 5466:1992(E)
4.1.2 Archival storage enclosures The adhesive used for seams and joints shall also
meet the requirements of IS0 10214. The filing en-
closure shall be constructed so that any seam or
For archival storage, the requirements of 4.1.1 shall
be met. The materials used for reels, cores and joint will be at the edge of the enclosure and not in
contact with the film surface.
containers shall meet the requirements for
IS0 10214. They shall be non-corrodible and
Any film which is not essentially free from gas re-
peroxide-free. Rubber bands or pressure sensitive
lease4) shall be stored in plastic envelopes and in
tape shall not be used for confining film on reels or
separate storage rooms (see clause 5).
cores. If paper bands are used, the paper shall
meet, as a minimum requirement, the specifications
For maximum storage life, photographic film shall
described in IS0 10214. Films on reels may be con-
be in a clean condition before being placed in stor-
fined by tucking the film end between the roll and
age.
flange.
Films can have interactions with other films which
4.2.2 Archival storage enclosures
are of a different generic type (for example, diazo
and silver-gelatin), with magnetic tapes and with
For archival storage, the requirements of 4.2.1 shall
optical disks. Films of different generic type shall not
be met.
be wound in the same rolls or stored in the same
enclosures. Magnetic tapes and optical disks should Films can have possible interactions with other films
not be stored in the same storage housing. which are of a different generic type (for example,
~~
diazo and silver-gelatin), with magnetic tapes and
Closed containers are required unless the photo-
with optical disks. Films of different generic types
graphic film is protected from dirt and damage by
shall not be interfiled or be in physical contact.
the storage housing (see clause 5).
Magnetic tapes and optical disks should not be
stored in the same storage housing.
Periodic inspection shall be made as outlined in
9.2.
Periodic inspection shall be made as outlined in
9.2.
4.2 Film in sheet and slide form
5 Storage housing
4.2.1 Medium-term storage enclosures
Photographic film should be stored in closed
Film in sheet form may be stored in envelopes of housings such as drawers, or on shelves and racks
paper or plastic foil, folding cartons, file folders, ap- enclosed by doors to provide protection from dust
erture cards or in film strip jackets. Photographic and dirt. Alternatively, open shelves and racks may
slides may be stored in cardboard, metal or plastic be used if the film is in closed containers. The stor-
or diazo films shall be stored in age housing materials shall be non-corrodible as
boxes. Colour
or folders or otherwise protected described in IS0 10214. They shall also be non-
opaque envelopes
from light exposure. Films should not be stacked as combustible. Because of their combustible nature
'v
this can cause excessive pressure on the lower and the possibility of producing active fading agents
ones. on ageing, materials made of wood, pressed-board,
hardboard, particle-board and other natural ma-
When in direct contact with the surface of the
terials shall be avoided.
photographic film, the paper or plastic material used
for envelopes, sleeves, jackets, folders and cartons The finish on housing materials shall be durable and
shall meet as a minimum requirement the specifi- shall not contribute deleterious effects to the stored
cations described in IS0 10214. photographic film. Adverse effects can be produced
by finishes containing chlorinated or highly-
Protective enclosures shall be used where needed
platicized resins, or by freshly-painted or lacquered
to maintain humidity within the limits of the film (see
surfaces. Cabinets painted with oil-base paints shall
clause 7), to protect against gaseous impurities in
not be used for 3 months as they can give off per-
the atmosphere, or when low-temperature storage
oxides.
is used. Heat-sealable envelopes consisting of
aluminium foil extrusion coated with clear When air-conditioned individually, storage housings
polyethylene on the inside and laminated to a suit- shall be arranged to permit interior circulation of air
SUC- to all shelves and drawers holding film containers
able paper sheet on the outside have been
cessfully used as sealed enclosures. Precautions to allow uniform humidity conditions. Storage
housings located in rooms conditioned in accord-
should be taken in handling these envelopes so that
they are not punctured. To provide greater pro- ance with 7.1 shall be provided with ventilation
tection against pinholes, a double-bagging tech- openings permitting access of air to the interior.
nique is recommended. Such openings shall not affect accordance with re-
3
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IS0 5466:1992(E)
quirements for fire-protection storage or water pro-
shall not exceed 32 OC. For colour film, a storage
tection.
temperature not exceeding 10 OC is recommended
for proper protection. Cycling of humidity or tem-
Films which are not essentially free from release of
perature should be avoided. Protection can be in-
acidic fumes shall not be stored in the same storage
creased by storing at low temperature and low
housing as other photographic products.
relative humidity.
6 Storage rooms
7.1.2 Archival storage environment
6.1 Medium-term storage rooms
The relative humidity range for archival storage
varies with the product type as given in table 1.
Rooms and areas used for film storage should be
associated with rooms allowing facilities for in- When several film types are to be stored within the
same storage area, the recommended relative hu-
spection and viewing of the film. Good housekeeping
midity is 30 %. Short-term cycling of humidity should
is essential. Walls and enclosures of air-conditioned
be avoided.
spaces shall be designed to prevent condensation
of moisture on interior surfaces and within walls,
When inactivity of an archival film permits, pro-
especially during periods of low exterior tempera-
tection can be increased by conditioning and sealing
tures when the walls can be cooled below the dew
the film (see 4.1.1 and 4.2.1 ) in equilibrium with air
point of the air. Provisions shall be made against
at the lower end of the recommended relative hu- -
damage of film by water from floods, leaks, sprin-
midity range. This may be accomplished by running
klers, etc. Storage rooms or vaults should be located
roll film, as a single strand, through a suitable con-
above basement levels where possible.
ditioning cabinet, or by hanging film sheets in such
A special storage room separated from the work a cabinet. A conditioning time of 20 min is suitable.
areas for film records of medium-term interest will Individual rolls of film can be conditioned to the
generally not be required, provided that conditions
recommended storage humidity by keeping them in
as recommended in 7.1.1 are maintained. Films
the recommended atmosphere for 3 days for 16 mm
which are not essentially free from release of acidic
film and for 1 week for 35 mm film. Small quantities
fumes, such as some vesicular films, shall be stored of roll films can be dried by keeping them for 2 or 3
in separate storage rooms.
weeks in a desiccator with a suitable quantity of ac-
tivated silica gel. They should then be transferred
quickly to cans or bags and sealed. Very low hu-
6.2 Archival storage rooms
midity conditions can produce brittleness or curl in
films having a gelatin emulsion, by extraction of
The value of photographic film kept for long-term or
moisture from the emulsion. In such cases, it is good
archival purposes makes it advisable to provide a
practice to recondition the film to a higher humidity
storage room or vault separated from temporary
prior to use. Afler use, reconditioning to the rec-
storage facilities, offices or work areas. Storage
ommended humidity is required before replacement
rooms for films which are not essentially free from
in sealed containers.
acid release shall have a separate circulating air
v
system (see also annex D).
Temperatures for black-and-white films shall not
exceed 21 OC and added protection can be obtained
Storage rooms have been constructed in caves and
for all films by low-temperature storage. The storage
mines and have proven very satisfactory when ac-
temperature for colour films shall be 2 OC or below
cepted requirements for the environmental con-
[lll[121. Two methods may be used.
ditions (see 7.1) and air purity (see 7.3) are met.
a) The film may be conditioned to the rec-
7 Environ mental conditions
ommended relative humidity at room tempera-
ture, placed in hermetically sealed containers
7.1 Humidity and temperature limits (see
and then placed in cold storage [w. Taped cans
annexes B and C) within heat-sealed foil bags can provide good
moisture protection for roll films, while sheet
films can be placed within two heat-sealed bags.
7.1.1 Medium-term storage environment
The use of such bags improves moisture pro-
The relative humidity shall not exceed 60 and the tection but does not guarantee it. This procedure
recommended range varies with the product type as has the advantage of excellent keeping con-
given in table 1. The maximum temperature for ditions and the use of reasonably-priced deep-
freeze units. It is essential to limit as much as
black-and-white films for extended periods shall not
possible the volume of free air in the sealed film
exceed 25 OC and a temperature below 2OoC is
container.
preferable. Peak temperature for short time periods
4
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IS0 5466:1992(E)
Table 1 - Recommended relative humidity and temperature conditions for storage
-
Medium-term storage Archival storage
Relative Relative
Sensitive layer Base type Maximum Maximum
humidity humidity
temperaturi temperatun
range range
YO I OC YO OC
Microfilm
Silver-gelatin Cellulose ester 15 to 60
I 25 15 to 40 21
Silver-gelatin Polyester 30 to 60 I 25 30 to 40
21
Heat processed silver Polyester 15 to 60 ' 25 15 to 50 21
I
General
Silver-gelatin Cellulose ester 15 to 60 25 15 to 50 21
Silver-gelatin Polyester 25
30 to 60 30 to 50 21
Colour Cellulose ester 15 to 30 10 15 to 30
2
Colour Polyester 25 to 30 10
25 to 30 2
Diazo Cellulose ester 15 to 50 25 15 to 30 21
Diazo Polyester 15 to 50 25 15 to 30 21
Vesi cu I a r Polyester 15 to 60 25 15 to 50 21
L
Electrophotographic Polyester 15 to 60 25 15 to 50 21
Photoplastic Polyester I 15 to 60 25 15 to 50 21
b) An alternative procedure is to use a storage resistant file rooms contained in appropriate na-
room controlled at 2 OC and at the recommended tional standards and regulations3).
relative h u m id i ty. This eliminates the require-
Automatic control systems are recommended and
ment of sealed containers but does require an
they shall be checked frequently. Where air-con-
expensive installation. Low relative humidity is
ditioning is not practical, high humidities can be
difficult and expensive to maintain at low tem-
lowered by electrical refrigeration-type dehumidi-
peratures.
fiers, controlled with a hygrostat. Inert desiccants,
such as chemically-pure silica gel, may be used
The container should be allowed to warm up to room
provided that the dehumidifier is equipped with fil-
temperature prior to opening to avoid moisture
ters capable of removing dust particles down to
condensation on the film (see annex C). Cycling of
0,3 pm in size and is controlled to maintain the
temperature should be avoided.
relative humidity prescribed in 7.1 . Dehumidification
The recommended humidity and temperature con-
can be required in storage areas such as basements
ditions may be maintained either within individual
and caves that have inherently low temperatures
storage housings or within storage rooms containing
and frequently exceed the upper humidity limit.
such housings.
Humidification is necessary if the prevailing relative
L
humidity is less than that recommended in 7.1 or if
physical troubles such as curl or brittleness are en-
7.2 Air-conditioning require ment s
countered with active files. If humidification is re-
quired, a controlled humidifier shall be used. Water
Properly controlled air-conditioning can be necess-
trays or saturated chemical solutions shall not be
ary for maintaining humidity and temperature within
used because of the serious danger of over-
the limits specified, particularly for archival storage humidification.
where the requirements are more stringent than for
medium-term storage. Slightly positive air pressure
7.3 Air purity (see annex D)
should be maintained within the storage room or
vault.
Solid particles, which can abrade film or react with
the image, shall be removed by mechanical filters
Air-conditioning installations and automatic fire
from air supplied to housings or rooms used for
control dampers in ducts carrying air to or from the
storage vault shall be constructed and maintained storage. These mechanical filters are preferably of
the dry-media type having an arrestance rating of
on the basis of the recommendalions contained in
not less than 85 O% as determined by tests contained
appropriate national standards and regulations5'.
in appropriate national standards and regulationss).
They shall also follow recommendations for fire-
5) Example: NFPA 90A ['41.
6) Example: Stain test of ASHRAE Standard 52-68 ClSI.
5
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IS0 5466:1992(E)
When the quantity of film is not too great, insulated
Filters shall be of the non-combustible type, meeting
record containers conforming to appropriate na-
the construction requirements of appropriate na-
tional standards and regulations7). tional standards and regulations" may be used. An
interior temperature of 65 OC and an interior relative
Gaseous impurities such as sulfur dioxide, hydrogen
humidity of 85 Yo shall not be exceeded when given
sulfide, peroxides, ozone, acidic fumes, ammonia
a fire exposure test from 1 h to 4 h in duration de-
and nitrogen oxides can cause deterioration of the
pending on the classification of the record container.
film base or degradation of the image in some films.
Insulated record containers shall be situated on a
They can be removed from the air by suitable
ground-supported floor if the building is not fire-
washers or absorbers. An archival storage film vault
resistant .
should be located as far as possible from an urban
For the best fire protection, duplicate copies should
or industrial area where contaminants can be pres-
be placed in another storage area.
ent in harmful concentrations. Where practical,
storage of film in sealed containers in accordance
with clause 4 will afford adequate protection.
9 Film handling and inspection
As paint fumes can be a source of oxidizing con-
9.1 Handling
taminants, film shall be removed from either an ar-
chival or medium-term storage area for a period of
Proper handling of film is important. Some types of
3 months when the area is freshly painted.
film can be used frequently, generating damage and
-
Gases given off by decomposing nitrate-base film
imposing critical handling and filing requirements*).
can damage or destroy the image on safety film re-
Good housekeeping and cleanliness are essential.
cords stored in the same area 1171. Therefore, film
Films should be handled by their edges and the
shall not be stored with nitrate-base films, either in
wearing of thin cotton gloves by the handlers is good
the same room or in rooms connected by ventilating
...