---
kind: "section"
citation: "36 C.F.R. § 1237.18"
title: "36"
number: "1237.18"
heading: "What are the environmental standards for audiovisual records storage?"
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/36/1237.18"
---

# §1237.18. What are the environmental standards for audiovisual records storage?

- (a) **Photographic film and prints.** The requirements in this paragraph apply to permanent, long-term temporary, and unscheduled audiovisual records.
  - (1) **General guidance.** Keep all film in cold storage following guidance by the International Organization for Standardization in ISO 18911 (incorporated by reference, see [§ 1237.3](/cfr/36/1237.3.md)). See also ISO 18920 (incorporated by reference, see [§ 1237.3](/cfr/36/1237.3.md)).
  - (2) **Color images and acetate-based media.** Keep in an area maintained below 40 degrees Fahrenheit with 20-40% relative humidity to retard the fading of color images and the deterioration of acetate-based media.
- (b) **Digital images on magnetic tape.** For digital images stored on magnetic tape, keep in an area maintained at a constant temperature range of 62 degrees Fahrenheit to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, with constant relative humidity from 35% to 45%. See also the recommendations in ISO 18923 (incorporated by reference, see [§ 1237.3](/cfr/36/1237.3.md)); and the requirements for electronic records storage in [36 CFR 1236.28](/cfr/36/1236.28.md).
- (c) **Digital images on optical media.** For permanent, long-term temporary, or unscheduled digital images maintained on optical media (e.g., CDs, DVDs), use the recommended storage temperature and humidity levels stated in ISO 18925 (incorporated by reference, see [§ 1237.3](/cfr/36/1237.3.md)).

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 44 U.S.C. 2904 and 3101.

### Source

Source: 74 FR 51014, Oct. 2, 2009, unless otherwise noted.