Technical information

9871 Tenth Edition A-1
A
Cartridge Tape Information
This appendix describes how to prepare and maintain cartridges. It also lists the
criteria that colored cartridges must meet to be used in the Library Storage
Module (LSM).
■ Preparing Cartridges
The following pages describe how to prepare a cartridge for use in the LSM.
Handling a Cartridge
Improper handling of cartridges can result in a loss of data or damage to a
machine component.
To handle a cartridge correctly:
• Do not carry several cartridges loosely in a container. The leader blocks can
snag on other cartridges and become unlatched.
• Make sure that the leader block is latched every time you pick up a
cartridge.
• Keep cartridges clean.
• Inspect a cartridge before each use and never put a damaged cartridge into
a transport or LSM.
• Never release a leader block and pull tape from a cartridge.
• Never open a cartridge.
• Do not handle tape that is outside the cartridge; you might damage the tape
edge.
• Do not expose the tape or cartridge to direct sunlight or moisture.
• Do not expose a recorded cartridge to magnetic fields; this might destroy
data on the tape.