CARE AND HANDLING OF DVD’S

Handle discs by the outer edge or the centre hole.

Use a non-solvent-based felt-tip permanent marker to mark the label side of the disc.

Keep dirt or other foreign matter from the disc.

Store discs upright (book style) in plastic cases specified for CDs and DVDs.

Return discs to storage cases immediately after use.

Leave discs in their packaging (or cases) to minimize the effects of environmental changes.

Open a recordable disc package only when you are ready to record data on that disc.

Store discs in a cool, dry, dark environment in which the air is clean.

Remove dirt, foreign material, fingerprints, smudges, and liquids by wiping with a clean cotton fabric in a straight line from the centre of the disc toward the outer edge.

Use DVD-cleaning detergent, isopropyl alcohol, or methanol to remove stubborn dirt or material.

Check the disc surface before recording.

Do not touch the surface of the disc.

Do not bend the disc.

Do not use adhesive labels.

Do not store discs horizontally for a long time (years).

Do not open a recordable optical disc package if you are not ready to record.

Do not expose discs to extreme heat or high humidity.

Do not expose discs to extremely rapid temperature or humidity changes.

Do not expose recordable discs to prolonged sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet light.

Do not write or mark in the data area of the disc (the area the laser “reads”).

CARE AND HANDLING MAGNETIC TAPE

Learn and use correct procedures for operating equipment.

Handle tapes gently.

Keep tapes in protective cases when not in use.

Keep tapes vertical when not in use.

Make sure machine alignment is correct before use.

Clean tapes before playback if they show any evidence of dirt or contamination.

Ensure that the tape is properly seated in the machine before use.

Wind tape at low speed (library wind) entirely onto one reel after use.

Leave analogue audio tapes on the take-up reel after use (tails out).

Secure tape ends on open reel tapes.

Package tapes adequately for protection before shipment or transport.

Use only new tape when recording a tape for long-term storage.

Activate the Record Protection feature of all master cassettes immediately after they have been recorded.

Inspect tapes for damage or contamination before use.

Seek experienced help as soon as possible in the case of a disaster.

Protect both tapes and machinery from dust and debris.

Keep tapes in a stable an environment.

Acclimatize tapes before use if they are hot or cold.

Do not touch tape surfaces with bare hands.

Do not put pressure on reel flanges.

Do not stack or place objects on top of unprotected tapes.

Do not force tapes into cases or machines.

Do not drop or throw tapes.

Do not splice any portion of a video tape.

Do not place tapes on or near sources of magnetic fields.

Do not play or spool tapes that are dirty, contaminated or wet .

Do not play or spool tapes on a dirty, misaligned or malfunctioning machine.

Do not store tapes in an area subject to dampness or possible pipe leaks (e.g., basements).

Don’t expose tapes to food or beverages.

Don’t expose tapes to temperature extremes, UV radiation, including the sun, for extended periods.

Do not attempt to clean tapes contaminated with adhesives, fungus or unknown substances unless you have the necessary training or experience.

Do not expose tapes to high power biological decontamination scanners. High levels of radiation can produce sufficient heat capable of melting or deforming tapes or their plastic containers.