User Manual

Basics in archives and libraries
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Building Technologies 049_Archives_and_Libraries_A6
V10271399_a_en.doc
Fire Safety & Security Products 03.2009
4. complete cleaning of the building and of the technical systems (incl. checking
the ventilation systems and air ducts)
Fulfilling the requirements must always, where possible, be accounted for by the
user with signed approval records or by a technique of measurement. Where it
makes sense, the user should set up its own control systems to carry out inde-
pendent measures throughout the whole duration of the warranty. Make sure that
the end of the warranty period is not missed!
2.10.6 Climate stability
The construction of the building in which an archive or library is situated, has a sig-
nificant influence on the climate stability of the building. The factor of overheads
(energy and technical maintenance) must be included in the considerations from
the beginning. The goal is to get a solid as possible building, and its humidity
household when used (i.e. when it is filled up) can be regulated with little active ef-
fort (air conditioning systems). Ideally, the building material (and the stored items)
itself contribute to the stabilizing humidity household.
2.11 Storage technology
2.11.1 Fixed shelving vs. moveable shelving
Adequate storage technology to accommodate the objects depends on the local
conditions. Whether fixed shelving or concentrated storage with moveable shelving
is used, is mainly determined by the structure and construction of the building as
well as the stock’s type of use and frequency of use. In certain cases, the fragility
of the objects, theft protection as well as preservation of historical monuments and
aesthetical reasons must also be considered.
The issue of motorization of moveable systems is only a question of convenience
and costs these days because the problem of vibration during operation can be
solved satisfactorily.
New fire fighting technologies make very good stock protection possible, even for
dense storage facilities and for closed moveable shelving.
For security reasons, moveable shelving must have a minimum distance from fixed
components (columns, pilaster, ledges etc.), so that there is no danger of injuries
when moving the devices.
Any type of shelving must take in account the possibility of an earthquake and
therefore be equipped with adequate safety precaution systems.
2.11.2 Materials for shelving
Materials used in storage technology include metal and wood (or derived timber
products). Metal shelves with powder coating are inert and no fire load, but very
conductive to heat (which plays an important part in the event of a fire). Metal
shelves can be produced in factories in large quantities and are therefore relatively
low priced and adaptable in their set-up. Furthermore, metal shelving is easy to
clean because of its smooth closed surfaces. Wood has, when chosen correctly
and with breathable surface treatment, favorable characteristics for climate stability
in the shelves. In an acute case of fire with high temperatures, wood offers good
insulation against heat and therefore offers much better protection for the objects
on the inside of the shelves. On the other hand wood is an extra fire load.