IBM 7226 Manual page 213

Data Cartridge Erasure
Do not attempt to bulk erase an LTO data cartridge for reuse. Bulk eraser devices cannot properly erase an LTO data cartridge
and will permanently damage the cartridge.
Storage and Shipping Environments
Before using a tape cartridge, let it acclimate to the operating environment by placing the cartridge in the operating
environment for as long as it has been away from the environment or for 24 hours, whichever is less. (To determine the
appropriate operating environment, see
Acclimation is necessary for any data cartridge exposed to a different humidity environment or to temperature changes of
11°C (20°F) or more.
Retrieval of archived data should be performed on a tape unit that is clean and fully operational. Try to make the recovery
environment the same as the operating environment. Allow tapes at least 24 hours to acclimate to environment of the tape
unit.
The recommended environment for storage and shipment of LTO data cartridges is shown in
Table 1. Recommended Environment for LTO Data
Environmental Factor
Temperature
Relative Humidity
(noncondensing)
Maximum Wet Bulb
Tape Cartridge Storage
Tape Cartridge Storage
Tape drives record data using densities similar to hard disk drives. Because most computer systems are not located in a dust-
free, climate-controlled environment, you must exercise special care when dealing with tape cartridges and tape drives. They
need to be treated as a valuable asset used to protect your business data.
Use the following guidelines for storing your tape cartridges:
Temperature and humidity should be kept constant at a level comfortable for you.
Tape cartridges should always be stored in their protective cases. The storage case helps prevent damage from dust and
physical misuse. When the tape cartridges are not in use or being stored, they should be in their storage cases and
stood on edge in a designated storage location. Do not stack cartridges on the flat side or stack other items on top of the
tape cartridges. Handle your tape cartridges with care to reduce archival problems.
Tape cartridge protective cases should be kept closed except when inserting or removing a cartridge. Contamination can
build up and be transferred to the tape cartridge if the protective case is left open.
Stored tapes should be exercised at least once every 12 months. Run the tape from Beginning of Data (BOD) to End of
Data (EOD) and back to BOD at normal operating speeds. Tapes stored in a warmer environment should be exercised
more frequently.
Sunlight can damage the tape and the cartridge shell. Store tape cartridges out of the direct sunlight.
Attention: Operation outside of the recommended environment can result in possible loss of data or failure of the drive.
202 IBM 7226 Model 1U3 Storage Device Enclosure
Table 1.)
Cartridges
Storage Shipping
5°C to 32°C −40 to 52°C
(41° to 90°F) (−40 to 125°F)
20 to 60% 5 to 90%
26°C 27°C
(79°F) (80°F)
Table 1.