Tape Storage and Handling To   extend   and   enhance   the   reliability   and performance   of   magnetic   tape   reels,   cartridges, cassettes, and their respective units, you should adhere to the following rules: Store tape reels, cartridges, and cassettes in dustproof containers whenever they are not in use. When the reel, cartridge, or cassette is mounted on or in the unit, keep its storage container closed and free from exposure to dust and dirt. Periodically inspect containers for dust and dirt contamination. Store  reels,  cartridges,  and  cassettes  in  an electromagnetic  shielded  cabinet  elevated  from  the floor and free of contaminants. See figure 9-3 for an example. Do not use the top of equipment as a working area. Placing reels, cartridges, or cassettes on the top of electronic  equipment  may  expose  them  to  excessive heat,  electromagnetic  radiation,  or  contaminants  from unit blowers. Use  adhesive  stickers  that  can  be  removed without  leaving  a  residue  to  identify  the  contents  of reels, cartridges, and cassettes. Do not erase labels on adhesive stickers with a rubber eraser; the particles from the eraser may come in contact with the tape. Magnetic  tape  is  sensitive  to  environmental changes in temperature and humidity. To prevent problems caused by changes in environment, do: Store reels, cartridges, and cassettes in the room where they are used; storing tapes near the unit reduces handling and the effects of variations in environmental conditions. Maintain constant temperature and humidity ranges (65° to 85° Fahrenheit or 18° to 32° Centigrade with 40 to 60 percent humidity). Condition  new  tapes,  or  tapes  from  other systems, to your computer room by keeping them in your computer room for a 24-hour period before use; also condition tapes removed from your computer room upon their return, and before their reuse. Human  handling  of  magnetic  tapes  can  itself  cause tape and unit problems. Magnetic recording surfaces are   delicate   and   sensitive   to   dust,   airborne contaminants,   and   the   oils,   acids,   and   other contaminants contained on human skin. DO NOT handle  the  metallic  oxide  surface  of  magnetic  recording media,  in  particular  the  usable  recording  surface between  beginning-of-tape  (BOT)  marker  and end-of-tape (EOT) marker. The  contaminants  contained  on  human  skin  are harmful to both the oxide coating of magnetic tape and the precision mechanics of the unit using the tape. All surfaces of the unit should be cleaned thoroughly following handling. In addition, clean magnetic tape units periodically, as specilized in the unit’s technical manual  and/or  Planned  Maintenance  System  (PMS) Maintenance  Index  Pages  (MIPs)  and  Maintenance Requirement Cards (MRCs). Tape Maintenance Magnetic tapes, particularly tapes on open reels, require  several  maintenance  actions. These maintenance   actions   are   cleaning,   certifying, degaussing, stripping, and splicing. CLEANING. —Do not clean magnetic tape by hand. A special machine is used to clean tape. The tape cleaner performs two functions: It shaves the oxide side of the tape with a series of  razors  to  remove  any  loose  oxide  and  embedded particles It then wipes down both sides of the tape with a cleaning solution to remove any remaining oxide particles or contaminants Tape cleaners do not alter the flux patterns stored on   a   tape;   however,   cleaning   tapes   on   which information is stored  is not recommended. Tape Figure  9-3.—A  magnetic  media  storage  container. cleaners  will  reduce  the  static  charge  buildup  on 9-3