scope:

This standard provides requirements for records protection equipment and facilities and records-handling techniques that provide protection of records in a variety of media forms from the hazards of fire.

This standard does not consider forcible entry.

This standard covers the following categories of records storage environments in ascending order of risk tolerance:

(1) Vaults

(2) Archives

(3) File rooms

(4) Compartmented records centers

(5) Records centers

This standard also covers the application of records protection equipment.

This standard does not cover the storage and handling of cellulose nitrate film records.

This standard does not cover the storage and handling of useful records.

The responsible party (or owner of the records) shall determine from this standard the level of protection afforded the records.

The various levels of protection shall be clearly defined to ensure the responsible party understands their risk exposure.

The responsible party shall determine which records justify the application of this standard.

Purpose.

This standard is prepared for the use and guidance of those charged with purchasing, designing, constructing, installing, inspecting, approving, listing, operating, or maintaining equipment and facilities that protect records against fire and its associated effects.

This standard also is intended for the use and guidance of those charged with planning, surveying, classifying, retaining, and otherwise handling of records.