ISO 18911-2010 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 18911:2010 — Imaging materials — Processed safety photographic films — Storage practices. Guidance for storage conditions, facilities, handling and inspection of processed safety photographic film in roll, strip, aperture‑card or sheet formats, intended for medium‑ and extended‑term archival storage of storage copies (not work/use copies).

Abstract

Provides recommendations on environmental conditions, storage housings, enclosure materials, handling, inspection and record-keeping to maximize the useful life of processed safety photographic films. Applies to safety photographic film only (nitrate-base films excluded) and is intended for storage copies rather than frequently used originals; it is also useful when processing history is unknown.

General information

• Status: Published (international standard, confirmed on most recent ISO review cycle).
• Publication date: 2010-09 (Edition 2, 2010).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 37.040.20 (imaging materials / photography).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2010).
• Number of pages: 25.

data-source

Key bibliographic and status details above are reported by ISO's official record for ISO 18911:2010.

Scope

Specifies recommendations for medium‑term and extended‑term storage of processed safety photographic films (roll, strip, aperture‑card, sheet). It applies to films intended as storage copies (not work copies), is intended for properly processed films (but useful when processing history is unknown), and excludes nitrate‑base films. Prints and plates are not covered (see companion standards).

Key topics and requirements

• Storage classification and life‑expectancy concepts (medium‑term vs extended‑term storage and LE designations referenced to baseline environment).
• Recommended environmental conditions (controls on temperature and relative humidity to slow deterioration and extend life expectancy).
• Requirements for enclosure materials (sleeves, envelopes, folders, boxes) and compatibility with film; references to related enclosure and testing standards.
• Guidance on storage housings (closable cabinets, drawers, non‑combustible and chemically inert materials, avoidance of reactive woods/finishes) and layout to protect film from dust, pollutants and physical damage.
• Handling, inspection and monitoring procedures to detect and manage deterioration; recommendations for separation of unstable items and conservation actions.

Technical detail and examples for enclosure materials and storage housings are summarized from the ISO standard and associated explanatory materials.

Typical use and users

Archivists, photographic conservators, records managers, museum and library staff, government archives, commercial film storage providers and facilities managers use this standard to design storage environments, select housings and materials, set handling and inspection procedures, and develop retention/transfer strategies for photographic film holdings intended for medium- to long-term preservation.

Related standards

ISO 18902 (enclosures for storage of photographic materials), ISO 18916 (sampling and monitoring of pollutants and materials), ISO 18918 (photographic plates — storage), ISO 18920 (photographic prints — storage), and other ISO 18900-series standards that cover film stability and testing. These provide complementary requirements for enclosures, testing and materials specification.

Keywords

processed safety photographic film; film storage; archival storage; storage practices; temperature and relative humidity; enclosure materials; storage housings; life expectancy (LE); inspection; handling; ISO 18911.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18911:2010 is an ISO international standard giving recommendations for storage practices for processed safety photographic films intended as storage (archival) copies.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers recommended environmental conditions, enclosure materials, storage housings, handling, inspection and related procedures for medium‑ and extended‑term storage of processed safety photographic films. It excludes nitrate‑base films and does not apply to photographic prints or plates.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Archivists, conservators, records managers, museums, libraries, national and corporate archives, and commercial storage providers use it to establish film storage programs and to select safe enclosures and housings.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 18911:2010 (Edition 2) is the current edition; ISO's record shows it was last reviewed and confirmed (most recently in the 2025 review cycle), so the 2010 edition remains current.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ISO 18900 series of standards for imaging materials and archival storage (see ISO 18901, ISO 18902, ISO 18916, ISO 18918, ISO 18920, etc.) which together address film stability, enclosures, testing and storage for photographic materials.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: processed safety photographic film, archival storage, storage practices, enclosure materials, life expectancy (LE), temperature and relative humidity, inspection, handling.