SECTION 7.165. Optional Enhanced Storage Conditions for Permanent Records

(a) As resources permit, local governments should strive to store records under conditions that meet as many of the recommendations of this section as practicable.

(b) Records should be stored in a building or storage area that:

(1) has an operational fire suppression system;

(2) has adequate environmental controls:

(A) A maximum temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and a constant relative humidity of 45% with a maximum variance of plus/minus 5% relative humidity in a 24-hour period should be maintained in the storage area.

(B) Daily temperature/humidity checks should be conducted.

(C) Positive atmospheric pressure should be maintained within the storage area.

(3) has a pest management program; and

(4) has appropriate shelving:

(A) Shelving should be constructed of metal or other non-porous material.

(B) The lowest shelf should be at least 4 to 6 inches from the floor.

(C) Shelving should be arranged such that records are at least 4 inches from the interior face of exterior walls.

(c) Records should be covered or housed in acid-neutral boxes to protect them from deterioration.

(d) Ultraviolet filtering shields should be affixed to any fluorescent lights or windows.

(e) If a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system is in use in a records storage area, it should not be turned off and settings should not be changed for nights and weekends.

Source Note: The provisions of this §7.165 adopted to be effective April 7, 2013, 38 TexReg 2098