ISO 11799:2003

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST ISO 11799:2005
01-november-2005
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LQNQMLåQLþQRJUDGLYR
Information and documentation -- Document storage requirements for archive and library
materials
Information et documentation -- Prescriptions pour le stockage des documents d'archives
et de bibliothèques
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ISO 11799:2003
ICS:
01.140.20 Informacijske vede Information sciences
SIST ISO 11799:2005 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST ISO 11799:2005

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SIST ISO 11799:2005


INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 11799
First edition
2003-09-15


Information and documentation —
Document storage requirements for
archive and library materials
Information et documentation — Prescriptions pour le stockage des
documents d'archives et de bibliothèques




Reference number
ISO 11799:2003(E)
©
ISO 2003

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------

SIST ISO 11799:2005
ISO 11799:2003(E)
PDF disclaimer
This PDF file may contain embedded typefaces. In accordance with Adobe's licensing policy, this file may be printed or viewed but
shall not be edited unless the typefaces which are embedded are licensed to and installed on the computer performing the editing. In
downloading this file, parties accept therein the responsibility of not infringing Adobe's licensing policy. The ISO Central Secretariat
accepts no liability in this area.
Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Details of the software products used to create this PDF file can be found in the General Info relative to the file; the PDF-creation
parameters were optimized for printing. Every care has been taken to ensure that the file is suitable for use by ISO member bodies. In
the unlikely event that a problem relating to it is found, please inform the Central Secretariat at the address given below.


©  ISO 2003
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or
ISO's member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail copyright@iso.org
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland

ii © ISO 2003 — All rights reserved

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SIST ISO 11799:2005
ISO 11799:2003(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 2
4 Site of the building. 2
5 Construction of the building. 2
6 Installation and equipment. 3
7 Use. 8
8 Disaster-control plan . 9
9 Exhibitions. 9
Annex A (informative) Maximum limits tolerance for air pollutants. 10
Annex B (informative) Recommended climatic conditions for the long-term storage of archive
and library materials . 11
Annex C (informative) Disaster preparedness. 13
Bibliography . 14

© ISO 2003 — All rights reserved iii

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SIST ISO 11799:2005
ISO 11799:2003(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 11799 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 46, Information and documentation.

iv © ISO 2003 — All rights reserved

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SIST ISO 11799:2005
ISO 11799:2003(E)
Introduction
Archives and libraries are institutions established by society in order to collect, preserve and make available
documents intended for consultation, by viewing directly or via a screen, or, in the case of sound recordings,
by ear.
Archive and library collections normally contain material in a wide variety of formats. These are mainly paper-
based books, manuscripts, files, records, maps and graphic collections, but may also include vellum,
parchment, papyrus, film, photographic materials, audiovisual material, magnetic and optical media, and
machine-readable formats. All these materials ideally require specific storage conditions.
Documents for current use may require different storage conditions from those requiring long-term or indefinite
preservation.
This International Standard applies to the long-term storage of archive and library materials, but takes into
account that, as the materials are stored to allow current use as well, some compromise with the ideal
conditions for long-term storage may be unavoidable.
Depending on the climate and economic situation of a country, it may be difficult to create and maintain ideal
conditions for the long-term storage of archive and library materials.
Figures and quantities given in this International Standard are intended for general international guidance.
This International Standard presents some facts and general rules which should be considered when a
building for the purpose of archival storage is newly constructed, when an old building originally designed for
another use is converted, or when a building already in use for this purpose is renovated.

© ISO 2003 — All rights reserved v

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SIST ISO 11799:2005

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SIST ISO 11799:2005
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 11799:2003(E)

Information and documentation — Document storage
requirements for archive and library materials
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies the characteristics of general-purpose repositories used for the long-term
storage of archive and library materials. It covers the sitting and construction of the building and the
installation and equipment to be used.
It applies to all archive and library materials held in general-purpose repositories, where mixed media may be
stored together. It does not preclude the establishment of separate areas or compartments within individual
repositories, where the environment can be controlled to create conditions suiting the needs of specific
archive materials.
It does not cover special requirements for the long-term storage of not or not fully paper-based documents
such as parchment or vellum, photographic documents or machine-readable documents.
It also does not cover repository management procedures.
In a number of fields, national or local building regulations may cover in detail such matters as construction,
safety and security for public buildings and buildings in which valuable objects are stored (fire precautions,
emergency exits, security against earthquakes, theft, burglary, terrorist acts, etc.), as well as services and
equipment in professional use. This International Standard therefore avoids detailed rules and regulations in
these fields, except when recommending what may be additions to these requirements.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 9706:1994, Information and documentation — Paper for documents — Requirements for permanence
ISO 12606:1997, Cinematography — Care and preservation of magnetic audio recordings for motion pictures
and television
ISO 18902, Imaging materials — Processed photographic films, plates and papers — Filing enclosures and
storage containers
ISO 18911, Imaging materials — Processed safety photographic films — Storage practices
ISO 18918:2000, Imaging materials — Processed photographic plates — Storage practices
ISO 18920:2000, Imaging materials — Processed photographic reflection prints — Storage practices
ISO 18923:2000, Imaging materials — Polyester base magnetic tape — Storage practices
ISO 18925, Imaging materials — Optical disc media — Storage practices
© ISO 2003 — All rights reserved 1

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SIST ISO 11799:2005
ISO 11799:2003(E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
archive and library materials
all types of documents kept in archives and libraries, mainly books, manuscripts, files, records, maps, graphic
collections and other documents consisting of paper, but also parchment, papyrus, films, photographic
materials, audiovisual recordings, magnetic and optical media, as well as bindings and protective material
3.2
document
recorded information or material object which can be treated as a unit in a documentation process
3.3
long-term storage
storage, for a period of undefined length, of material kept for permanent retention
3.4
repository
building or room designed or arranged and used specifically and exclusively for long-term storage of archive
and library materials
4 Site of the building
The site for an archive and/or library repository building should not be
 liable to subsidence or flooding,
 especially at risk from earthquakes, tidal waves or landslides,
 at risk from fire or explosions in adjacent sites,
 near a place or a building which attracts rodents, insects and other pests,
 near a plant or installation emitting harmful gases, smoke, dust, etc.,
 in an especially polluted area, nor
 near a strategic installation which could be a target in an armed conflict.
If these requirements cannot be met, special provision shall be made in the construction of the building to
defend against these threats.
In order to minimize the harmful effects of exposure to sunlight, careful attention should be paid to orientation,
landscaping and the site’s microclimate.
5 Construction of the building
5.1 Self-containment and security
The repository shall be secured against theft, burglary, vandalism and terrorism. Precautions should be taken
against arson. The repository shall be either a purpose-built detached building or a self-contained unit within a
building. There shall be only one entrance for visitors. Precautions shall be taken against any other entrances
being used by unauthorized people.
2 © ISO 2003 — All rights reserved

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SIST ISO 11799:2005
ISO 11799:2003(E)
NOTE 1 For more information on precautions against arson, see reference [1] in the Bibliography.
Emergency exits shall be constructed in such a way that they can easily be opened from the inside and that
they cannot be opened from the outside.
NOTE 2 National regulations regarding exits may apply.
In the interests of security and climatic inertia, and also in order to protect archive and library materials from
exposure to harmful light, the storage areas should have no windows. If there are windows, they shall be fitted
in such a way as to exclude direct daylight (see also 6.5).
5.2 Climatic inertia
The repository should be designed to provide an accurate and stable internal environment, with minimum
dependence on mechanical systems. This can be partially achieved by constructing the external walls, roof
and floor of the building from materials that, as far as possible, insulate the interior from external climatic
changes.
Walls, floors and ceilings inside the repository should be made of materials that have a high thermal capacity.
In areas of the world where the relative humidity does not exceed the recommended values for prolonged
periods of time, building materials with a high hygroscopic capacity are also recommended (see 6.7).
NOTE 1 For example, brick is a material with both high thermal and high hygroscopic capacity.
NOTE 2 For more information on climatic inertia, see reference [2] in the Bibliography.
5.3 Inner structure and load
For reasons of fire safety and efficient climate control, the area used as a repository should be divided into
compartments.
NOTE 1 The maximum size of a fire compartment is normally given in national regulations.
The walls (including doors), floors and ceilings between single rooms and compartments, and between
storage and other areas of the building shall be constructed so as to prevent fire (and water) from spreading
into a neighbouring unit. A minimum of 2 h of fire resistance is recommended. Doors should be self-closing
and should normally be kept in a closed position. Where it becomes necessary to keep doors open under
normal use, they should be fitted with magnetic hold-open devices which release to permit automatic door
closing upon activation of the building fire alarm/detection system. Door sills should be avoided unless
absolutely essential (for example for flood prevention), in which case ramps should be provided.
The materials used for all inside surfaces shall not be combustible nor emit, attract or retain dust. Nor shall
they be liable, through decomposition in the event of fire or for other reasons, to emit substances harmful to
the materials stored, e.g. acidic gases. The choice of material shall minimize, in the case of fire, the emission
of harmful substances, smoke and soot.
NOTE 2 Methods to test the surface-burning characteristics of building materials (flame spread and smoke generation)
are given in references [3] and [4] in the Bibliography.
When constructing the floors, it shall be taken into account that densely stored archive and library materials
can have a considerable weight. A structural engineer should calculate and recommend floor-loading
requirements based on the density and quantity of the materials stored.
6 Installation and equipment
Use the following International Standards whenever possible: ISO 12606, ISO 18911, ISO 18918, ISO 18920,
ISO 18923, ISO 18925.
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SIST ISO 11799:2005
ISO 11799:2003(E)
6.1 Services
Supply systems for electricity, gas, and especially for water, shall not be located in or near a room in the
repository, unless needed in that room for a specific function directly connected with the collections.
Installations providing temperature/humidity control, air filtration and ventilation systems shall be connected to
a central plant room. This room shall not be in the same fire compartment as the storage area, and should
preferably be in a separate building.
6.2 Fire detection system
All parts of the building shall be provided with a fire detection system connected to a central monitoring panel.
Such a system shall respond automatically to the presence of fire by detecting smoke or other products of
combustion. Heat detection devices shall only be installed as the sole method of detection in areas such as
plant rooms where other types of detectors may be inappropriate or unsuitable. All parts of the building shall,
in addition, be provided with manually operated fire-alarm call points which can be used by occupants to
indicate the presence of a fire.
The operation of the detection system shall result in the following actions:
 a local warning at the control panel and/or repeater panels, indicating where a fire has been detected;
 operation of plant shut-down, such as air conditioning or heating systems;
 automatic transmission of a warning to the local fire brigade or central alarm station;
 general fire-alarm warning throughout the repository building.
The central fire-alarm control panel should provide a facility to monitor all components of the system and
should visually display the status of the system. Panels should be located in a convenient, central location
which is continuously manned or is manned while the repository is occupied or open. Where the panel is not
located at or near the probable fire-brigade entry point, a supplementary or repeater panel should be provided
for the use of the fire brigade.
NOTE National or local fire-alarm codes may apply.
6.3 Fire extinguishing system
Consideration should be given to the benefits offered by an automatic fire fighting system. Gas- or water-
based fire fighting systems are accepted in repositories.
Where automatic fire extinguishing systems are used, they shall be regularly inspected and maintained. They
shall be designed to minimize damage to archive and library materials from fire and fire-suppression action.
NOTE 1 Properly designed, installed and maintained sprinkler systems do far less damage than manually fighting a fire
that has not been contained by a sprinkler system. Possible malfunction of a sprinkler system, however, may cause
severe damage to documents.
NOTE 2 Water-mist systems currently being researched for library and archive use apply small amounts of water at
very high pressure and may offer a substantial advantage over conventional sprinkler systems. A principal advantage of
water mist is that, when correctly designed and installed, all the water discharged should turn to vapour and leave virtually
no residual water. Research is still in progress to determine whether water-mist systems are effective in high-density
storage systems utilizing compact shelving or in repositories employing very high shelving.
Where water-based fire protection systems are to be installed, provision shall be made for rapid drainage from
all protected spaces. Shafts, staircases and drains should be so configured that water leaving one space does
not enter another. Intermediate floors in multi-storey repositories should be waterproofed.
4 © ISO 2003 — All rights reserved

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SIST ISO 11799:2005
ISO 11799:2003(E)
Gas systems shall only be used for small compartments, i.e. discrete spaces which can be made airtight.
Halon gases are excluded for environmental reasons. Carbon dioxide should not be used for rooms normally
occupied by people.
NOTE 3 New fire-extinguishing gases without the same environmental impact as the original halon gases have been
and are being developed.
Where an automatic fire extinguishing system is not to be provided, the following shall be installed:
 hose reels or racks in such a position that all parts of the building are within 6 m of the nozzle of a fully
extended hose;
 hydrant systems or rising mains on all buildings more than 30 m in height or where a single floor exceeds
2
1 000 m . The hydrant or rising mains should be located so as to permit the fire brigade to pressurize the
pipework from outside the building.
These installations are also recommended as backup systems to an automatic fire extinguishing system.
A smoke extraction system is recommended.
Portable fire extinguishers shall always be available, even if an automatic fire suppression system has been
installed. Hand-held extinguishers shall be strategically placed. Staff should be trained in the proper use of fire
extinguishers. If they are expected to use fire hoses, they should also be trained in their proper use.
Gas and water are suitable. Water extinguishers should never be used on fires in electrical equipment.
6.4 Intruder alarm
A monitored intruder-alarm system should be provided.
6.5 Illumination
The damage caused by light is cumulative. Intensity, duration and spectral distribution of any illumination in a
repository should be controlled to minimize damage.
A repository room shall not be illuminated more than is necessary for retrieval and replacement of documents,
room inspection and cleaning. For the two latter purposes, an illumination of about 200 lx on the floor level is
suggested. Direct daylight should be excluded. In a building not primarily designed as a repository, but
adapted for that purpose, windows shall ideally be blocked up, or as a minimum be screened by curtains or
blinds, and/or by UV filtering on the window glass.
Similar screening provisions are recommended for offices, public reading rooms and any other room in which
documents are consulted.
Illumination shall be provided by one of the following:
 fluorescent lamps fitted with diffusers. If the emitted radiation contains a relative ultraviolet component of
more than 75 µW/lm, each lamp shall be fitted with an ultraviolet filter that diminishes the relative
ultraviolet radiation (with a wavelength below 400 nm) to below that level;
 incandescent light fitted with heat-absorbing filters. The minimum distance between the lamp and an item
on a shelf shall be 500 mm;
 fibre-optic lighting systems, with the light-generating unit placed well away from the object to be
illuminated.
© ISO 2003 — All rights reserved 5

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SIST ISO 11799:2005
ISO 11799:2003(E)
NOTE 1 The ratio between radiant flux with a wavelength shorter than 400 nm (i.e. ultraviolet radiation), and the total
luminous flux, is measured in microwatts per lumen (µW/lm). With a view to preservation of documents, the accepted
maximum limit for ultraviolet radiation is 75 µW/lm.
NOTE 2 Fluorescent lamps fitted with diffusers or fibre-optic lighting are preferred. At present, fibre-optic lighting is only
feasible for exhibition purposes.
There shall be separate switches for the illumination of each of the sections that the repository is naturally
divided into.
At an easily accessible place outside the repository, there should be a central switch indicating whether all
lights and other electrical circuits in the repository are turned off.
6.6 Ventilation and air quality
The repository shall be ventilated in such a way as to allow free circulation of air throughout, and to prevent a
build-up of pockets of high relative humidity.
If this does not occur naturally, a ventilation system should be provided. There should be fresh air intake, the
amount depending on local circumstances.
Specific attention should be given to ventilation around and within the shelving. To ensure this there shall be a
distance of at least 150 mm between the floor and the lowest shelf, as well as between the average line of
upper edges of objects stored on the top shelf and the ceiling. There shall also be a distance of at least
50 mm between the top of the highest document on each shelf and the bottom of the shelf above. Gangways
and aisles also allow ventilation (see also 6.8).
The air in a repository should be kept free of air pollution, acidic and oxidizing gases and dust. Suggested
maximum levels of the most common air pollutants are listed in informative Annex A. It shall be taken into
account that some materials such as plastics for wrapping, paints and coatings for walls and shelves, etc. may
emit noxious gases not only when burning (see 5.3. and 6.8.), but also by degassing and decomposing. When
choosing materials for building, furniture and equipment, the amount of off-gassing should be taken into
account. A certain time lapse (up to a couple of weeks, when the off-gassing of new materials is the highest)
before putting new buildings, furniture and equipment into use is also advisable.
NOTE Photographic, audiovisual and magnetic media are particularly sensitive to oxidizing pollutants, dusty air and/or
other active compounds. Optical disks are also sensitive to oxidizing agents. Separate storage for these materials is
usually necessary because of their lower temperature and humidity requirements, and because of the degradation
products they give off.
The air quality inside the repository should be monitored regularly for acidic and oxidizing gases and dust. The
frequency should be such that seasonal or other repeated variations are discovered. This will make any
irregular variation stand out more clearly.
If a filter system is used, materials used for filtration shall in themselves not be damaging to the documents.
Filter systems shall be regularly maintained.
6.7 Room climate
Repositories for archive and library materials should be kept at a cool temperature, ideally controlled in a
building constructed according to the principles of climatic inertia (see 5.2).
Repositories for archive and library materials shall be kept at a relative humidity below the point where
microbiological activity occurs.
NOTE According to the present state of knowledge, there is an increasing risk of microbiological activity above 60 %
relative humidity, and increased brittleness at a very low relative humidity. The lowest acceptable humidity for long-term
storage of archive and library materials is under discussion. For different kinds of materials, different limits are
recommended, but there is no general agreement, either upon temperature or upon humidity. It has been established that
6 © ISO 2003 — All rights reserved

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SIST ISO 11799:2005
ISO 11799:2003(E)
materials last longer at lower temperatures and at lower relative humidity. As a guidance, the data in informative Annex B
may be used.
Sharp fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity put stress on archive and library materials and should
therefore be avoided. The aim shall be to achieve as stable a temperature and relative humidity as is
practicable.
There shall be monitoring devices for temperature and humidity, preferably recording instruments that register
conditions at different times and in different seasons. Sensors should be sited to provide readings that
represent the storage areas, but account should also be taken of any extreme or abnormal conditions which
may be present, e.g. near outside walls or close to a source of heating or ventilation.
The monitoring instruments shall be calibrated and recalibrated according to the manufacturer's instruction.
When material is taken out of cold storage, it shall be acclimatized. In order to avoid expansion and
contraction, measures shall be taken to ensure that the material absorbs or gives off as little moisture as
needed to equilibrate with its new climatic conditions. Special attention shall be paid to the danger of
approaching the dew point at the surface of an item, if it is moved to a warmer room or inside an airtight
container (glass, plastics) when such items are relocated from cold storage.
When moving an item from a cool to a warm room, satisfactory acclimatization can be achieved by placing it in
an airtight enclosure with a minimum air volume until the temperature has risen to the ambient temperature.
When moving an item in an airtight enclosure back to cold storage, the enclosure should not be removed for a
while, until the item has acclimatized.
6.8 Furniture and equipment
No furniture or equipment other than that used for storage and handling of documents shall be in a re
...

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 11799
First edition
2003-09-15


Information and documentation —
Document storage requirements for
archive and library materials
Information et documentation — Prescriptions pour le stockage des
documents d'archives et de bibliothèques




Reference number
ISO 11799:2003(E)
©
ISO 2003

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------

ISO 11799:2003(E)
PDF disclaimer
This PDF file may contain embedded typefaces. In accordance with Adobe's licensing policy, this file may be printed or viewed but
shall not be edited unless the typefaces which are embedded are licensed to and installed on the computer performing the editing. In
downloading this file, parties accept therein the responsibility of not infringing Adobe's licensing policy. The ISO Central Secretariat
accepts no liability in this area.
Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Details of the software products used to create this PDF file can be found in the General Info relative to the file; the PDF-creation
parameters were optimized for printing. Every care has been taken to ensure that the file is suitable for use by ISO member bodies. In
the unlikely event that a problem relating to it is found, please inform the Central Secretariat at the address given below.


©  ISO 2003
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or
ISO's member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail copyright@iso.org
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland

ii © ISO 2003 — All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------

ISO 11799:2003(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 2
4 Site of the building. 2
5 Construction of the building. 2
6 Installation and equipment. 3
7 Use. 8
8 Disaster-control plan . 9
9 Exhibitions. 9
Annex A (informative) Maximum limits tolerance for air pollutants. 10
Annex B (informative) Recommended climatic conditions for the long-term storage of archive
and library materials . 11
Annex C (informative) Disaster preparedness. 13
Bibliography . 14

© ISO 2003 — All rights reserved iii

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ISO 11799:2003(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 11799 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 46, Information and documentation.

iv © ISO 2003 — All rights reserved

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ISO 11799:2003(E)
Introduction
Archives and libraries are institutions established by society in order to collect, preserve and make available
documents intended for consultation, by viewing directly or via a screen, or, in the case of sound recordings,
by ear.
Archive and library collections normally contain material in a wide variety of formats. These are mainly paper-
based books, manuscripts, files, records, maps and graphic collections, but may also include vellum,
parchment, papyrus, film, photographic materials, audiovisual material, magnetic and optical media, and
machine-readable formats. All these materials ideally require specific storage conditions.
Documents for current use may require different storage conditions from those requiring long-term or indefinite
preservation.
This International Standard applies to the long-term storage of archive and library materials, but takes into
account that, as the materials are stored to allow current use as well, some compromise with the ideal
conditions for long-term storage may be unavoidable.
Depending on the climate and economic situation of a country, it may be difficult to create and maintain ideal
conditions for the long-term storage of archive and library materials.
Figures and quantities given in this International Standard are intended for general international guidance.
This International Standard presents some facts and general rules which should be considered when a
building for the purpose of archival storage is newly constructed, when an old building originally designed for
another use is converted, or when a building already in use for this purpose is renovated.

© ISO 2003 — All rights reserved v

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 11799:2003(E)

Information and documentation — Document storage
requirements for archive and library materials
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies the characteristics of general-purpose repositories used for the long-term
storage of archive and library materials. It covers the sitting and construction of the building and the
installation and equipment to be used.
It applies to all archive and library materials held in general-purpose repositories, where mixed media may be
stored together. It does not preclude the establishment of separate areas or compartments within individual
repositories, where the environment can be controlled to create conditions suiting the needs of specific
archive materials.
It does not cover special requirements for the long-term storage of not or not fully paper-based documents
such as parchment or vellum, photographic documents or machine-readable documents.
It also does not cover repository management procedures.
In a number of fields, national or local building regulations may cover in detail such matters as construction,
safety and security for public buildings and buildings in which valuable objects are stored (fire precautions,
emergency exits, security against earthquakes, theft, burglary, terrorist acts, etc.), as well as services and
equipment in professional use. This International Standard therefore avoids detailed rules and regulations in
these fields, except when recommending what may be additions to these requirements.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 9706:1994, Information and documentation — Paper for documents — Requirements for permanence
ISO 12606:1997, Cinematography — Care and preservation of magnetic audio recordings for motion pictures
and television
ISO 18902, Imaging materials — Processed photographic films, plates and papers — Filing enclosures and
storage containers
ISO 18911, Imaging materials — Processed safety photographic films — Storage practices
ISO 18918:2000, Imaging materials — Processed photographic plates — Storage practices
ISO 18920:2000, Imaging materials — Processed photographic reflection prints — Storage practices
ISO 18923:2000, Imaging materials — Polyester base magnetic tape — Storage practices
ISO 18925, Imaging materials — Optical disc media — Storage practices
© ISO 2003 — All rights reserved 1

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ISO 11799:2003(E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
archive and library materials
all types of documents kept in archives and libraries, mainly books, manuscripts, files, records, maps, graphic
collections and other documents consisting of paper, but also parchment, papyrus, films, photographic
materials, audiovisual recordings, magnetic and optical media, as well as bindings and protective material
3.2
document
recorded information or material object which can be treated as a unit in a documentation process
3.3
long-term storage
storage, for a period of undefined length, of material kept for permanent retention
3.4
repository
building or room designed or arranged and used specifically and exclusively for long-term storage of archive
and library materials
4 Site of the building
The site for an archive and/or library repository building should not be
 liable to subsidence or flooding,
 especially at risk from earthquakes, tidal waves or landslides,
 at risk from fire or explosions in adjacent sites,
 near a place or a building which attracts rodents, insects and other pests,
 near a plant or installation emitting harmful gases, smoke, dust, etc.,
 in an especially polluted area, nor
 near a strategic installation which could be a target in an armed conflict.
If these requirements cannot be met, special provision shall be made in the construction of the building to
defend against these threats.
In order to minimize the harmful effects of exposure to sunlight, careful attention should be paid to orientation,
landscaping and the site’s microclimate.
5 Construction of the building
5.1 Self-containment and security
The repository shall be secured against theft, burglary, vandalism and terrorism. Precautions should be taken
against arson. The repository shall be either a purpose-built detached building or a self-contained unit within a
building. There shall be only one entrance for visitors. Precautions shall be taken against any other entrances
being used by unauthorized people.
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ISO 11799:2003(E)
NOTE 1 For more information on precautions against arson, see reference [1] in the Bibliography.
Emergency exits shall be constructed in such a way that they can easily be opened from the inside and that
they cannot be opened from the outside.
NOTE 2 National regulations regarding exits may apply.
In the interests of security and climatic inertia, and also in order to protect archive and library materials from
exposure to harmful light, the storage areas should have no windows. If there are windows, they shall be fitted
in such a way as to exclude direct daylight (see also 6.5).
5.2 Climatic inertia
The repository should be designed to provide an accurate and stable internal environment, with minimum
dependence on mechanical systems. This can be partially achieved by constructing the external walls, roof
and floor of the building from materials that, as far as possible, insulate the interior from external climatic
changes.
Walls, floors and ceilings inside the repository should be made of materials that have a high thermal capacity.
In areas of the world where the relative humidity does not exceed the recommended values for prolonged
periods of time, building materials with a high hygroscopic capacity are also recommended (see 6.7).
NOTE 1 For example, brick is a material with both high thermal and high hygroscopic capacity.
NOTE 2 For more information on climatic inertia, see reference [2] in the Bibliography.
5.3 Inner structure and load
For reasons of fire safety and efficient climate control, the area used as a repository should be divided into
compartments.
NOTE 1 The maximum size of a fire compartment is normally given in national regulations.
The walls (including doors), floors and ceilings between single rooms and compartments, and between
storage and other areas of the building shall be constructed so as to prevent fire (and water) from spreading
into a neighbouring unit. A minimum of 2 h of fire resistance is recommended. Doors should be self-closing
and should normally be kept in a closed position. Where it becomes necessary to keep doors open under
normal use, they should be fitted with magnetic hold-open devices which release to permit automatic door
closing upon activation of the building fire alarm/detection system. Door sills should be avoided unless
absolutely essential (for example for flood prevention), in which case ramps should be provided.
The materials used for all inside surfaces shall not be combustible nor emit, attract or retain dust. Nor shall
they be liable, through decomposition in the event of fire or for other reasons, to emit substances harmful to
the materials stored, e.g. acidic gases. The choice of material shall minimize, in the case of fire, the emission
of harmful substances, smoke and soot.
NOTE 2 Methods to test the surface-burning characteristics of building materials (flame spread and smoke generation)
are given in references [3] and [4] in the Bibliography.
When constructing the floors, it shall be taken into account that densely stored archive and library materials
can have a considerable weight. A structural engineer should calculate and recommend floor-loading
requirements based on the density and quantity of the materials stored.
6 Installation and equipment
Use the following International Standards whenever possible: ISO 12606, ISO 18911, ISO 18918, ISO 18920,
ISO 18923, ISO 18925.
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ISO 11799:2003(E)
6.1 Services
Supply systems for electricity, gas, and especially for water, shall not be located in or near a room in the
repository, unless needed in that room for a specific function directly connected with the collections.
Installations providing temperature/humidity control, air filtration and ventilation systems shall be connected to
a central plant room. This room shall not be in the same fire compartment as the storage area, and should
preferably be in a separate building.
6.2 Fire detection system
All parts of the building shall be provided with a fire detection system connected to a central monitoring panel.
Such a system shall respond automatically to the presence of fire by detecting smoke or other products of
combustion. Heat detection devices shall only be installed as the sole method of detection in areas such as
plant rooms where other types of detectors may be inappropriate or unsuitable. All parts of the building shall,
in addition, be provided with manually operated fire-alarm call points which can be used by occupants to
indicate the presence of a fire.
The operation of the detection system shall result in the following actions:
 a local warning at the control panel and/or repeater panels, indicating where a fire has been detected;
 operation of plant shut-down, such as air conditioning or heating systems;
 automatic transmission of a warning to the local fire brigade or central alarm station;
 general fire-alarm warning throughout the repository building.
The central fire-alarm control panel should provide a facility to monitor all components of the system and
should visually display the status of the system. Panels should be located in a convenient, central location
which is continuously manned or is manned while the repository is occupied or open. Where the panel is not
located at or near the probable fire-brigade entry point, a supplementary or repeater panel should be provided
for the use of the fire brigade.
NOTE National or local fire-alarm codes may apply.
6.3 Fire extinguishing system
Consideration should be given to the benefits offered by an automatic fire fighting system. Gas- or water-
based fire fighting systems are accepted in repositories.
Where automatic fire extinguishing systems are used, they shall be regularly inspected and maintained. They
shall be designed to minimize damage to archive and library materials from fire and fire-suppression action.
NOTE 1 Properly designed, installed and maintained sprinkler systems do far less damage than manually fighting a fire
that has not been contained by a sprinkler system. Possible malfunction of a sprinkler system, however, may cause
severe damage to documents.
NOTE 2 Water-mist systems currently being researched for library and archive use apply small amounts of water at
very high pressure and may offer a substantial advantage over conventional sprinkler systems. A principal advantage of
water mist is that, when correctly designed and installed, all the water discharged should turn to vapour and leave virtually
no residual water. Research is still in progress to determine whether water-mist systems are effective in high-density
storage systems utilizing compact shelving or in repositories employing very high shelving.
Where water-based fire protection systems are to be installed, provision shall be made for rapid drainage from
all protected spaces. Shafts, staircases and drains should be so configured that water leaving one space does
not enter another. Intermediate floors in multi-storey repositories should be waterproofed.
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ISO 11799:2003(E)
Gas systems shall only be used for small compartments, i.e. discrete spaces which can be made airtight.
Halon gases are excluded for environmental reasons. Carbon dioxide should not be used for rooms normally
occupied by people.
NOTE 3 New fire-extinguishing gases without the same environmental impact as the original halon gases have been
and are being developed.
Where an automatic fire extinguishing system is not to be provided, the following shall be installed:
 hose reels or racks in such a position that all parts of the building are within 6 m of the nozzle of a fully
extended hose;
 hydrant systems or rising mains on all buildings more than 30 m in height or where a single floor exceeds
2
1 000 m . The hydrant or rising mains should be located so as to permit the fire brigade to pressurize the
pipework from outside the building.
These installations are also recommended as backup systems to an automatic fire extinguishing system.
A smoke extraction system is recommended.
Portable fire extinguishers shall always be available, even if an automatic fire suppression system has been
installed. Hand-held extinguishers shall be strategically placed. Staff should be trained in the proper use of fire
extinguishers. If they are expected to use fire hoses, they should also be trained in their proper use.
Gas and water are suitable. Water extinguishers should never be used on fires in electrical equipment.
6.4 Intruder alarm
A monitored intruder-alarm system should be provided.
6.5 Illumination
The damage caused by light is cumulative. Intensity, duration and spectral distribution of any illumination in a
repository should be controlled to minimize damage.
A repository room shall not be illuminated more than is necessary for retrieval and replacement of documents,
room inspection and cleaning. For the two latter purposes, an illumination of about 200 lx on the floor level is
suggested. Direct daylight should be excluded. In a building not primarily designed as a repository, but
adapted for that purpose, windows shall ideally be blocked up, or as a minimum be screened by curtains or
blinds, and/or by UV filtering on the window glass.
Similar screening provisions are recommended for offices, public reading rooms and any other room in which
documents are consulted.
Illumination shall be provided by one of the following:
 fluorescent lamps fitted with diffusers. If the emitted radiation contains a relative ultraviolet component of
more than 75 µW/lm, each lamp shall be fitted with an ultraviolet filter that diminishes the relative
ultraviolet radiation (with a wavelength below 400 nm) to below that level;
 incandescent light fitted with heat-absorbing filters. The minimum distance between the lamp and an item
on a shelf shall be 500 mm;
 fibre-optic lighting systems, with the light-generating unit placed well away from the object to be
illuminated.
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ISO 11799:2003(E)
NOTE 1 The ratio between radiant flux with a wavelength shorter than 400 nm (i.e. ultraviolet radiation), and the total
luminous flux, is measured in microwatts per lumen (µW/lm). With a view to preservation of documents, the accepted
maximum limit for ultraviolet radiation is 75 µW/lm.
NOTE 2 Fluorescent lamps fitted with diffusers or fibre-optic lighting are preferred. At present, fibre-optic lighting is only
feasible for exhibition purposes.
There shall be separate switches for the illumination of each of the sections that the repository is naturally
divided into.
At an easily accessible place outside the repository, there should be a central switch indicating whether all
lights and other electrical circuits in the repository are turned off.
6.6 Ventilation and air quality
The repository shall be ventilated in such a way as to allow free circulation of air throughout, and to prevent a
build-up of pockets of high relative humidity.
If this does not occur naturally, a ventilation system should be provided. There should be fresh air intake, the
amount depending on local circumstances.
Specific attention should be given to ventilation around and within the shelving. To ensure this there shall be a
distance of at least 150 mm between the floor and the lowest shelf, as well as between the average line of
upper edges of objects stored on the top shelf and the ceiling. There shall also be a distance of at least
50 mm between the top of the highest document on each shelf and the bottom of the shelf above. Gangways
and aisles also allow ventilation (see also 6.8).
The air in a repository should be kept free of air pollution, acidic and oxidizing gases and dust. Suggested
maximum levels of the most common air pollutants are listed in informative Annex A. It shall be taken into
account that some materials such as plastics for wrapping, paints and coatings for walls and shelves, etc. may
emit noxious gases not only when burning (see 5.3. and 6.8.), but also by degassing and decomposing. When
choosing materials for building, furniture and equipment, the amount of off-gassing should be taken into
account. A certain time lapse (up to a couple of weeks, when the off-gassing of new materials is the highest)
before putting new buildings, furniture and equipment into use is also advisable.
NOTE Photographic, audiovisual and magnetic media are particularly sensitive to oxidizing pollutants, dusty air and/or
other active compounds. Optical disks are also sensitive to oxidizing agents. Separate storage for these materials is
usually necessary because of their lower temperature and humidity requirements, and because of the degradation
products they give off.
The air quality inside the repository should be monitored regularly for acidic and oxidizing gases and dust. The
frequency should be such that seasonal or other repeated variations are discovered. This will make any
irregular variation stand out more clearly.
If a filter system is used, materials used for filtration shall in themselves not be damaging to the documents.
Filter systems shall be regularly maintained.
6.7 Room climate
Repositories for archive and library materials should be kept at a cool temperature, ideally controlled in a
building constructed according to the principles of climatic inertia (see 5.2).
Repositories for archive and library materials shall be kept at a relative humidity below the point where
microbiological activity occurs.
NOTE According to the present state of knowledge, there is an increasing risk of microbiological activity above 60 %
relative humidity, and increased brittleness at a very low relative humidity. The lowest acceptable humidity for long-term
storage of archive and library materials is under discussion. For different kinds of materials, different limits are
recommended, but there is no general agreement, either upon temperature or upon humidity. It has been established that
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ISO 11799:2003(E)
materials last longer at lower temperatures and at lower relative humidity. As a guidance, the data in informative Annex B
may be used.
Sharp fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity put stress on archive and library materials and should
therefore be avoided. The aim shall be to achieve as stable a temperature and relative humidity as is
practicable.
There shall be monitoring devices for temperature and humidity, preferably recording instruments that register
conditions at different times and in different seasons. Sensors should be sited to provide readings that
represent the storage areas, but account should also be taken of any extreme or abnormal conditions which
may be present, e.g. near outside walls or close to a source of heating or ventilation.
The monitoring instruments shall be calibrated and recalibrated according to the manufacturer's instruction.
When material is taken out of cold storage, it shall be acclimatized. In order to avoid expansion and
contraction, measures shall be taken to ensure that the material absorbs or gives off as little moisture as
needed to equilibrate with its new climatic conditions. Special attention shall be paid to the danger of
approaching the dew point at the surface of an item, if it is moved to a warmer room or inside an airtight
container (glass, plastics) when such items are relocated from cold storage.
When moving an item from a cool to a warm room, satisfactory acclimatization can be achieved by placing it in
an airtight enclosure with a minimum air volume until the temperature has risen to the ambient temperature.
When moving an item in an airtight enclosure back to cold storage, the enclosure should not be removed for a
while, until the item has acclimatized.
6.8 Furniture and equipment
No furniture or equipment other than that used for storage and handling of documents shall be in a repository.
Furniture or equipment used shall have no sharp edges or corners, nor protrusions on the sides adjacent to
the stored items and shall not damage documents upon contact.
The materials used for furniture or equipment shall not be combustible nor emit, attract or retain dust. Nor
shall they be liable, through decomposition in the event of fire or for other reasons, e.g. natural ageing, to emit
substances harmful to the materials stored, e.g. acidic gases. The choice of material shall minimize, in the
case of fire, the emission of harmful substances, smoke and soot.
For the correct functioning of the principles of climatic inertia (see 5.2.), no furniture nor any other item shall
be placed in close proximity to an outside wall. There should be a distance of at least 200 mm between items
and wall.
The load-bearing capacity of shelving shall be sufficient to carry their load (see 5.3). The shelves should be
large enough to ensure that documents will not protrude beyond the edges.
Shelves for normal storage, e.g. of books, shall be fitted
...

NORME ISO
INTERNATIONALE 11799
Première édition
2003-09-15



Information et documentation —
Prescriptions pour le stockage des
documents d'archives et de
bibliothèques
Information and documentation — Document storage requirements for
archive and library materials




Numéro de référence
ISO 11799:2003(F)
©
ISO 2003

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ISO 11799:2003(F)
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©  ISO 2003
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Publié en Suisse

ii © ISO 2003 — Tous droits réservés

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ISO 11799:2003(F)
Sommaire
Avant-propos. iv
Introduction . v
1 Domaine d'application. 1
2 Références normatives. 1
3 Termes et définitions. 2
4 Implantation du bâtiment . 2
5 Construction du bâtiment . 3
6 Installations et équipements. 4
7 Fonctionnement . 8
8 Plan de sécurité face aux sinistres . 10
9 Expositions. 10
Annexe A (informative) Limites maximales tolérées pour les polluants atmosphériques . 11
Annexe B (informative) Recommandations sur les conditions climatiques pour le stockage à long
terme des documents d'archives et de bibliothèques . 12
Annexe C (informative) Plan de sécurité face aux sinistres . 14
Bibliographie . 15

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ISO 11799:2003(F)
Avant-propos
L'ISO (Organisation internationale de normalisation) est une fédération mondiale d'organismes nationaux de
normalisation (comités membres de l'ISO). L'élaboration des Normes internationales est en général confiée
aux comités techniques de l'ISO. Chaque comité membre intéressé par une étude a le droit de faire partie du
comité technique créé à cet effet. Les organisations internationales, gouvernementales et non
gouvernementales, en liaison avec l'ISO participent également aux travaux. L'ISO collabore étroitement avec
la Commission électrotechnique internationale (CEI) en ce qui concerne la normalisation électrotechnique.
Les Normes internationales sont rédigées conformément aux règles données dans les Directives ISO/CEI,
Partie 2.
La tâche principale des comités techniques est d'élaborer les Normes internationales. Les projets de Normes
internationales adoptés par les comités techniques sont soumis aux comités membres pour vote. Leur
publication comme Normes internationales requiert l'approbation de 75 % au moins des comités membres
votants.
L'attention est appelée sur le fait que certains des éléments du présent document peuvent faire l'objet de
droits de propriété intellectuelle ou de droits analogues. L'ISO ne saurait être tenue pour responsable de ne
pas avoir identifié de tels droits de propriété et averti de leur existence.
L'ISO 11799 a été élaborée par le comité technique ISO/TC 46, Information et documentation.
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ISO 11799:2003(F)
Introduction
Les archives et les bibliothèques sont des institutions mises en place par la société pour rassembler,
conserver et rendre accessibles les documents soit par consultation directe, soit sur écran, ou, dans le cas
des documents sonores, par l’écoute.
Les fonds d’archives et de bibliothèques contiennent généralement des documents de nature variée. La
plupart sont sur support papier, tels que les livres, les manuscrits, les dossiers, les pièces d’archives, les
cartes et les plans, les collections graphiques, mais il peut y avoir aussi des vélins, des parchemins, des
papyrus, des films, des documents photographiques, audiovisuels, magnétiques et optiques, et des
documents électroniques. Tous ces documents requièrent des conditions de stockage spécifiques.
Les conditions de stockage peuvent être différentes pour les documents d’usage courant et pour ceux qui font
l’objet d’une conservation à long terme ou indéfinie.
La présente Norme internationale s’applique au stockage à long terme des documents d’archives et de
bibliothèques, mais prend en compte le fait que, comme les documents conservés doivent pouvoir être
consultés à tout moment, des compromis avec les conditions idéales d’un stockage à long terme peuvent être
inévitables.
Selon la situation climatique et économique d’un pays, il peut être difficile de créer et de maintenir des
conditions idéales pour un stockage à long terme des documents d’archives et de bibliothèques.
Les chiffres et les grandeurs donnés dans la présente Norme internationale sont destinés à fournir une
orientation générale de caractère international. La présente Norme internationale présente quelques faits et
règles générales qu’il convient de prendre en considération au moment de construire un nouveau bâtiment
d’archives, ou de transformer un ancien bâtiment prévu à l’origine pour un autre usage, ou encore de rénover
un bâtiment déjà utilisé à cette fin.
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NORME INTERNATIONALE ISO 11799:2003(F)

Information et documentation — Prescriptions pour le stockage
des documents d'archives et de bibliothèques
1 Domaine d'application
La présente Norme internationale spécifie les caractéristiques des magasins de stockage à long terme des
documents d’archives et de bibliothèques. Elle concerne l’implantation et la construction du bâtiment, ainsi
que les installations et les équipements à utiliser.
Elle est applicable à tous les documents d’archives et de bibliothèques rangés dans les magasins,
susceptibles d’accueillir des documents sur supports variés. Elle n’exclut pas la possibilité de créer des aires
séparées ou compartimentées dans des magasins individualisés, où l’environnement peut être contrôlé pour
créer des conditions adaptées aux besoins liés aux documents d’archives spécifiques.
Elle ne concerne pas les prescriptions particulières relatives au stockage à long terme des documents qui ne
sont pas, ou pas complètement, sur support papier, tels que parchemin ou vélin, documents photographiques
ou documents électroniques.
Elle ne concerne pas non plus les procédures de gestion des fonds.
Sur un certain nombre de points, des réglementations en matière de bâtiment, nationales ou régionales,
peuvent couvrir de façon détaillée des sujets tels que la construction, la sûreté et la sécurité des bâtiments
publics et des bâtiments abritant des objets de valeur (précautions contre l’incendie, issues de secours,
sécurité face aux risques sismiques, vol, cambriolage, actes terroristes, etc.), ainsi que les services et
équipements à usage professionnel. Pour cette raison, la présente Norme internationale évite de donner des
directives et des règlements détaillés sur ces aspects, excepté pour recommander ce qui peut être
complémentaire à ces exigences.
2 Références normatives
Les documents de référence suivants sont indispensables pour l'application du présent document. Pour les
références datées, seule l'édition citée s'applique. Pour les références non datées, la dernière édition du
document de référence s'applique (y compris les éventuels amendements).
ISO 9706:1994, Information et documentation — Papier pour documents — Prescriptions pour la permanence
ISO 12606:1997, Cinématographie — Soins et préservation des enregistrements sonores magnétiques pour
la cinématographie et la télévision
ISO 18902, Matériaux pour image — Films, plaques et papiers après traitement — Contenants pour
classement destinés à l'archivage
ISO 18911, Matériaux pour image — Films photographiques de sécurité traités — Techniques d'archivage
ISO 18918:2000, Matériaux pour image — Plaques photographiques développées — Directives pour
l'archivage
ISO 18920:2000, Matériaux pour image — Tirages photographiques traités par réflexion — Directives pour
l'archivage
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ISO 11799:2003(F)
ISO 18923:2000, Matériaux pour image — Bande magnétique à base de polyester — Pratiques
d'emmagasinage
ISO 18925, Matériaux pour l'image — Milieu pour disque optique — Pratiques de stockage
3 Termes et définitions
Pour les besoins du présent document, les termes et définitions suivants s'appliquent.
3.1
document d’archives et de bibliothèques
tout type de document conservé dans les archives et les bibliothèques, principalement les livres, les
manuscrits, les dossiers, les pièces d’archives, les cartes et plans, les collections graphiques et d’autres
documents composés de papier, mais aussi les parchemins, les papyrus, les films, les documents
photographiques, les documents audiovisuels, les documents sur support magnétique et optique, de même
que les reliures et les matériaux de protection
3.2
document
information portée sur un support, ou objet matériel, qui peut être traité(e) comme une unité dans un
processus de traitement documentaire
3.3
stockage à long terme
stockage, pour une période indéfinie, d’un document à des fins de conservation permanente
3.4
magasin
bâtiment ou pièce, conçu ou aménagé et utilisé spécifiquement et exclusivement pour le stockage à long
terme des documents d’archives et de bibliothèques
4 Implantation du bâtiment
Il convient que le site d’implantation d’un bâtiment d’archives et/ou de bibliothèque ne soit pas
 exposé à des risques d’affaissement ou d’inondation,
 exposé à des risques sismiques, à un raz de marée ou à un glissement de terrain,
 exposé à des risques d’incendie ou d’explosions provenant de sites voisins,
 près d’un lieu ou d’un bâtiment qui attire rongeurs, insectes et autres nuisances,
 près d’une usine ou d’une installation émettant des gaz nocifs, de la fumée, de la poussière, etc.,
 près d’une zone particulièrement polluée, ni
 près d’une installation stratégique à même d’être une cible potentielle en cas de conflit armé.
Si ces prescriptions ne peuvent pas être satisfaites, des dispositions particulières doivent être prises lors de la
construction du bâtiment pour prévenir ces risques.
Afin de limiter les effets nocifs de l’exposition au soleil, il convient de prêter une attention particulière à
l’orientation, à l’environnement naturel et au microclimat du site.
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ISO 11799:2003(F)
5 Construction du bâtiment
5.1 Autonomie et sécurité
Les magasins doivent être protégés contre le vol, le cambriolage, le vandalisme et le terrorisme. Il convient de
prendre des précautions contre les incendies criminels. Les magasins doivent constituer un bâtiment
indépendant, construit dans cette intention, ou une unité autonome à l’intérieur d’un bâtiment. Il ne doit y avoir
qu’une seule entrée pour les visiteurs. Des précautions doivent être prises pour éviter que des personnes non
autorisées empruntent toute autre entrée.
NOTE 1 Pour plus d’informations, sur les précautions à prendre contre les incendies criminels, voir la référence [1] de
la Bibliographie.
Les issues de secours doivent être conçues de façon qu’elles puissent être facilement ouvertes de l’intérieur,
et non de l’extérieur.
NOTE 2 Les réglementations nationales concernant les issues peuvent s’appliquer ici.
Afin d’assurer la sécurité et l’inertie climatique du bâtiment, et aussi de protéger les documents d’archives et
de bibliothèques d’une exposition nocive à la lumière, il est recommandé que les magasins n’aient pas de
fenêtre. S’il en existe, celles-ci doivent être obturées de façon à ne pas laisser pénétrer directement la lumière
du jour (voir aussi 6.5).
5.2 Inertie climatique
Il convient de concevoir le magasin de façon à assurer un environnement interne adapté et stable, dépendant
le moins possible de systèmes mécanisés. Cela peut être partiellement réalisé en utilisant pour la construction
des murs extérieurs, du toit et du sol, des matériaux qui isolent autant que possible l’intérieur du bâtiment des
variations climatiques externes.
À l’intérieur du magasin, il convient d’utiliser pour les murs, les planchers et les plafonds, des matériaux
présentant une bonne isolation thermique. Dans les régions du monde où l’humidité relative n’excède pas les
valeurs recommandées pendant des périodes prolongées, il est recommandé également d’utiliser des
matériaux de construction à capacité hygroscopique élevée (voir 6.7).
NOTE 1 Par exemple, la brique creuse est un matériau qui possède une bonne isolation thermique et une capacité
hygroscopique élevée.
NOTE 2 Pour plus d’informations sur l’inertie climatique du bâtiment, voir la référence [2] de la Bibliographie.
5.3 Structure interne et charge
Pour des raisons de sécurité contre l’incendie et en vue d’obtenir un meilleur contrôle climatique, il convient
de diviser en compartiments la surface utilisée pour les magasins.
NOTE 1 La taille maximale d’un compartiment au feu est habituellement indiquée dans les réglementations nationales.
Les murs (y compris les portes), les planchers et les plafonds entre les pièces et les compartiments
individualisés, ainsi qu’entre l’aire de stockage et les autres aires du bâtiment, doivent être construits de façon
à éviter toute propagation du feu (et de l’eau) dans une unité voisine. Un minimum de 2 h de résistance au feu
est recommandé. Il est conseillé de mettre des portes à fermeture automatique et de les maintenir
normalement en position fermée. S’il est nécessaire de les garder ouvertes pour une utilisation usuelle, il
convient de les équiper d’un système automatique qui déclenche leur fermeture quand le système de
détection ou d’alarme incendie du bâtiment est enclenché. Il est recommandé d’éviter les dénivelés au seuil
des portes, sauf en cas d’absolue nécessité (par exemple pour la prévention des inondations), auquel cas il
convient de les équiper d’un plan incliné.
Les matériaux utilisés pour toutes les surfaces intérieures ne doivent pas être combustibles, ni produire, attirer
ou retenir la poussière. Quand ils se décomposent sous l’action du feu ou pour une autre raison, ils ne doivent
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pas émettre des substances nocives pour les documents stockés, par exemple des gaz acides. Le choix des
matériaux doit permettre de limiter l’émission de substances nocives, de fumée et de suie, en cas d’incendie.
NOTE 2 Des méthodes pour tester les caractéristiques de combustion de surface des matériaux de construction
(propagation des flammes et production de fumée) sont données dans les références [3] et [4] de la Bibliographie.
Quand on construit les planchers, il doit être tenu compte du fait que les documents d’archives et de
bibliothèques stockés en grande quantité peuvent représenter un poids considérable. Il convient de faire
calculer par un ingénieur-constructeur les exigences de charge au sol à recommander, en fonction de la
densité et de la quantité des documents stockés.
6 Installations et équipements
Appliquer les Normes internationales suivantes chaque fois que cela est possible: ISO 12606, ISO 18911,
ISO 18918, ISO 18920, ISO 18923, ISO 18925.
6.1 Locaux techniques
Les systèmes d’alimentation en électricité, en gaz, et particulièrement en eau, ne doivent pas être placés
dans l’un des magasins, ni à proximité, sauf s’ils y sont nécessaires pour une fonction spécifique directement
liée à la gestion des fonds.
Les installations de contrôle et de régulation de la température et de l’humidité, et les systèmes de filtrage et
de ventilation de l’air doivent être connectés à un système centralisé. Ce système centralisé ne doit pas se
trouver dans le même compartiment au feu que l’aire de stockage, il convient qu’il soit dans un bâtiment
séparé.
6.2 Système de détection incendie
Toutes les parties du bâtiment doivent être pourvues d’un système de détection incendie relié à une centrale
d’alarme et de signalisation. Un tel système doit répondre automatiquement à la présence d’un feu, par
détection de fumée ou d’autres produits de combustion. Les détecteurs de chaleur ne doivent être installés,
comme unique méthode de détection, que dans des lieux tels que les locaux techniques où les autres types
de détecteurs ne conviennent pas, ou sont inadaptés. De plus, toutes les parties du bâtiment doivent être
pourvues de postes d’appel d’alarme incendie, utilisables manuellement par les occupants, pour indiquer la
présence d’un feu.
Le déclenchement du système de détection incendie doit donner les résultats suivants:
 un signal sur la centrale d’alarme et de signalisation et sur les postes répétiteurs, indiquant où un feu a
été détecté;
 l’arrêt automatique d’installation, telles que la climatisation et le chauffage;
 une transmission automatique de l’alerte à la caserne des sapeurs-pompiers locale ou à la station
d’alarme centrale;
 une alarme générale au feu dans tout le bâtiment.
Il convient que la centrale d’alarme et de signalisation incendie donne les moyens de contrôler tous les
éléments du système, et que ses signaux lumineux indiquent l’état du système. Il convient de placer la
centrale dans un endroit adapté, central, continuellement sous surveillance, ou surveillé lorsque les magasins
sont occupés ou ouverts. Si la centrale n’est pas située dans l’entrée accessible aux sapeurs-pompiers ou à
proximité, il convient de placer, à leur intention, un poste supplémentaire ou répétiteur.
NOTE Les codes incendie nationaux ou régionaux peuvent s’appliquer.
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6.3 Système d’extinction incendie
Il est recommandé de prendre en compte les avantages d’un système d’extinction automatique. Les systèmes
d’extinction à gaz ou à eau sont acceptés dans les magasins.
Si un système d’extinction automatique est utilisé, il doit être inspecté régulièrement et entretenu. Il doit être
conçu de façon à limiter sur les documents d’archives et de bibliothèques les dommages provoqués par le feu
et par les moyens employés pour l’éteindre.
NOTE 1 Un système de sprinklage correctement conçu, installé et entretenu, fait beaucoup moins de dégâts que
l’extinction manuelle d’un feu qui n’a pas été maîtrisé par un système de sprinklage. Un dysfonctionnement possible d’un
système de sprinklage peut, néanmoins, provoquer des dégradations importantes sur les documents.
NOTE 2 Les systèmes à brouillard d’eau, actuellement à l’étude pour une utilisation dans les bibliothèques et les
archives, diffusent de petites quantités d’eau à une très forte pression, et ils peuvent offrir une alternative intéressante aux
systèmes de sprinklage classiques. Le principal avantage du système à brouillard d’eau est que, s’il est bien conçu et
installé, toute l’eau émise se transforme en vapeur et ne laisse pratiquement pas d’eau résiduelle. Des recherches sont
toujours en cours pour déterminer si les systèmes de brouillard d’eau sont efficaces pour les dispositifs de stockage de
haute densité, de style «compactus», ou dans des magasins équipés de rayonnages de très grande hauteur.
Si un système d’extinction à eau est utilisé, des dispositions doivent être prises pour prévoir un drainage
rapide de tous les espaces protégés. Il convient de concevoir les cages d’ascenseur, les escaliers et les
canalisations, de sorte que l’eau qui s’écoule d’un endroit n’entre pas dans un autre. Il est recommandé de
rendre étanches les planchers intermédiaires dans les magasins à plusieurs étages.
Les systèmes à gaz ne doivent être utilisés que pour des petits compartiments, c’est-à-dire pour des lieux
susceptibles d’être hermétiquement clos. Les halons sont exclus pour des raisons de protection de
l’environnement. L’utilisation du gaz carbonique n’est pas recommandée dans des pièces habituellement
occupées par des personnes.
NOTE 3 Des recherches se poursuivent sur de nouveaux gaz utilisables pour l’extinction du feu, qui n’auraient pas le
même impact sur l’environnement que les halons.
S’il n’y a pas de système d’extinction automatique, les équipements suivants doivent être installés:
 des dévidoirs à lances d’incendie disposés de façon que toutes les parties du bâtiment soient à moins de
6 m de l’extrémité du tuyau complètement déroulé;
 des systèmes de prises d’eau ou des conduites montantes, dans tous les bâtiments de plus de 30 m de
2
haut ou comprenant un niveau ayant une surface de plus de 1 000 m . Il convient de placer les prises
d’eau et les conduites montantes de sorte que les sapeurs-pompiers puissent raccorder leurs tuyaux
depuis l’extérieur du bâtiment.
Ces équipements sont également recommandés comme relais d’un système d’extinction automatique
défaillant.
Un système de désenfumage est recommandé.
Des extincteurs mobiles doivent toujours être disponibles, même si un système d’extinction automatique a été
installé. Des extincteurs manuels doivent être placés aux endroits stratégiques. Il convient de former le
personnel à l’utilisation appropriée de ces extincteurs. Si le personnel est supposé devoir utiliser les lances à
incendie, il convient également qu’il soit formé à les manier correctement.
Les systèmes d’extinction à gaz et à eau sont appropriés. Il est recommandé de ne pas utiliser les extincteurs
à eau sur les équipements électriques.
6.4 Alarme anti-intrusion
Il est conseillé d’installer un système d’alarme anti-intrusion.
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ISO 11799:2003(F)
6.5 Éclairage
Les dommages provoqués par la lumière sont cumulatifs. Dans les magasins, il convient de contrôler
l’intensité, la durée, la répartition spectrale de tout éclairage, afin de limiter les détériorations.
Un magasin ne doit pas être éclairé plus que ce qui est nécessaire pour trouver et replacer les documents,
inspecter et nettoyer les locaux. Pour ces deux dernières tâches, un éclairage au sol d’environ 200 lx est
suggéré. Il est recommandé que la lumière du jour ne pénètre pas directement dans le bâtiment. Dans un
bâtiment non conçu à l’origine pour la conservation, mais qui a été adapté à ce but, les fenêtres doivent, au
mieux, être obturées ou, au moins, être munies de rideaux ou de stores, et/ou les vitres doivent être équipées
de filtres UV.
Des protections contre la lumière sont recommandées pour les bureaux, les salles de lecture publiques et
toute autre pièce dans laquelle les documents sont consultés.
L’éclairage doit être assuré par l’un des moyens suivants:
 des lampes fluorescentes, munies de diffuseurs. Si le rayonnement émis contient une composante
ultraviolette supérieure à 75 µW/lm, chaque lampe doit être munie d’un filtre ultraviolet qui diminue en
conséquence le rayonnement ultraviolet relatif (avec une longueur d’onde inférieure à 400 nm);
 des lampes à lumière incandescente, munies d’un filtre absorbant la chaleur. La distance minimale entre
la lampe et le document placé sur un rayonnage doit être de 500 mm;
 des systèmes de lumière à fibre optique, la source génératrice de lumière étant placée suffisamment loin
du document éclairé.
NOTE 1 Le rapport entre le flux radiant d’une longueur d’onde inférieure à 400 nm (ce qui correspond au rayonnement
ultraviolet) et le flux lumineux total est mesuré en microwatts par lumen (µW/lm). En vue de conserver les documents, la
limite maximale tolérée pour un rayonnement ultraviolet est de 75 µW/lm.
NOTE 2 Les lampes fluorescentes munies de diffuseur ou un éclairage à fibres optiques sont préférables.
Actuellement, l’éclairage à fibres optiques n’est adopté en pratique que pour les expositions.
Il doit y avoir des commutateurs séparés pour l’éclairage de chaque compartiment du magasin.
À l’extérieur des magasins, dans un endroit facilement accessible, il est conseillé d’avoir un commutateur
général indiquant si toutes les lumières et tous les autres circuits électriques du magasin sont bien fermés.
6.6 Ventilation et qualité de l’air
Les magasins doivent être ventilés de façon à permettre une libre circulation de l’air dans toute la pièce et à
empêcher la formation de poches d’humidité relative élevée.
Si le renouvellement de l’air ne se fait pas naturellement, il est conseillé d’installer un système de ventilation. Il
convient d’apporter de l’air neuf, dont la quantité dépend des conditions locales.
Il convient de porter une attention particulière à la ventilation autour et à l’intérieur des rayonnages. Pour
l’assurer, il doit y avoir au moins 150 mm de distance entre le sol et l’étagère la plus basse, ainsi qu’entre le
sommet des documents placés sur la tablette supérieure et le plafond. Il doit y avoir également au moins
50 mm de distance entre le sommet du document le plus haut de chaque étagère et le bas de l’étagère du
dessus. Les couloirs et les travées favorisent aussi la ventilation (voir aussi 6.8).
Il convient de préserver l’air qui circule dans les magasins de la pollution atmosphérique, des gaz acides et
oxydants, et de la poussière. Des recommandations sur les limites maximales suggérées pour les polluants
les plus courants sont données dans l’Annexe informative A. Il doit être pris en compte le fait que des
matériaux tels que les plastiques d’emballage, les peintures et les enduits pour les murs et les étagères, etc.,
peuvent émettre des gaz nocifs, non seulement en brûlant (voir 5.3 et 6.8), mais aussi en libérant des gaz et
en se décomposant. Lors du choix des matériaux de construction du bâtiment, du mobilier et de l’équipement,
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il convient de tenir compte de la quantité de gaz à même de se libérer. Il est recommandé d’attendre un
certain laps de temps (jusqu’à environ quinze jours, période pendant laquelle la libération de gaz par les
nouveaux matériaux est au plus haut) avant de mettre en service des bâtiments, des mobiliers et des
équipements nouveaux.
NOTE Les documents photographiques, audiovisuels et magnétiques sont particulièrement sensibles aux polluants
oxydants, à la poussière et/ou à d’autres composés actifs. Les disques optiques sont également sensibles aux agents
oxydants. Un stockage à part est habituellement nécessaire pour ces documents, car ils nécessitent une température et
un taux d’humidité relative plus bas, et à cause des produits de dégradation qu’ils émettent.
Il convient de contrôler régulièrement la qualité de l’air à l’intérieur d’un magasin pour y déceler la présence
...