BS ISO 18918:2000

Defines dark storage conditions, storage facilities and inspecting and handling methods for processed photographic plates having integral photographic layers and intended for record purposes.

1.1 This International Standard specifies dark storage conditions, storage facilities, and handling and inspecting procedures for processed photographic plates having integral photographic layers and intended for record purposes.

1.2 This International Standard is applicable to black-and-white, silver-image, gelatin, processed photographic plates as defined in 3.7.7. It is also applicable to medium-term and extended-term storage conditions as defined in 3.6 and 3.2, respectively.

No specific distinction is made, other than the degree of care, between photographic plates for medium-term or extended-term storage. Recommendations for plate storage relate to materials, methods, conditions, and forms of protection applicable specifically to plates defined in 1.1. However, these storage recommendations may also be applied to lacquered and opaque plates, to black-and-white plates altered by dyes or toners, colour plates and other historic photographic plates defined in 3.7.2 to 3.7.8.

1.3 It is not intended to predict or assign a useful lifetime to processed photographic plates stored in accordance with the specifications of this International Standard.

1.4 Recommendations for storage of photographic films are given in ISO 18911 and for storage of processed photographic reflection print material in ISO 18920.

Although there is some variation in recommended storage conditions among these types of photographic materials, recommended temperature and relative humidity ranges do overlap. If all three types of photographic materials are found in one collection or within one storage area, the temperature and relative humidity should be chosen so that all materials are stored within their recommended ranges.