Tips for Handling Tape Cartridges

Properly handle tapes to prevent damage. Improperly handling tapes can cause loss of data or damage to a library component.

• Keep tapes clean and inspect for damage before each use.
• Never open a tape cartridge.
• Do not handle tape that is outside the cartridge; the tape edge might be damaged.
• Do not expose the tape or cartridge to direct sunlight, moisture, excessive temperatures, or magnetic fields.
• Transport cartridges in shock resistant cases.

Inspect the Tape Cartridge

Always inspect a tape before you insert it into a drive or a library. A defective or dirty tape can damage a drive. Never use a damaged tape.

Look for:

• Dirt, debris, or liquid
• Cracked or broken housing
• Damaged write-protect switch
• Labels not firmly attached, or that extend over the tape cartridge edge

Clean the Tape Cartridge Exterior

Keep the cartridge exterior clean by wiping all dust, dirt, and moisture from the cartridge with a lint-free cloth or tape cleaner wipes.

The tape cleaner wipes are saturated with isopropyl alcohol. Do not let any solution touch the tape or get inside the cartridge.

Caution:

To avoid damage to cartridges, do not use acetone, trichloroethane, toluene, xylene, benzene, ketone, methylethyl ketone, methylene chloride, ethyldichloride, esters, ethyl acetate, or similar chemicals to remove labels or clean cartridges.

Store Tape Cartridges

Store tapes in a clean and temperature controlled environment to prevent damage.

Do not take a tape cartridge out of its protective wrapping until you are ready to use it. Use the tear string (not a sharp instrument) to remove the wrapping. Before using a tape cartridge, ensure that it has been in its operating environment for at least 24 hours so that it can adjust to changes in temperature and humidity.