Tape cartridge handling

Resolving The Problem

Abstract

Tape cartridge handling procedures are described, to ensure safe storage of customer data.

Solution

Tape Media - Shipping and Handling Care for Maximum Benefit

Tape cartridges:

• Are tough packages of inexpensive technologies capable of storing large amounts of data.
• Can survive years in library environments: elevated temperatures, being gripped and poked, loaded and unloaded.
• Are approaching data densities of hard disk drives.
• Have similar capacities to hard disk drives.
• Similar handling of hard disk drives and tape cartridges is recommended. If you would not do something to a hard disk drive, do not do it to a tape cartridge.
• Whether hard disk drive or tape cartridge, the real value is in the data that it contains.
• With simple care and handling procedures, you can get the most out of your tape media.

Golden rule of storage: Protect the data!

Tape Media - Shipping and Handling Procedures

Ensure that:

• Proper procedures are in place and posted, to cover the media handling .
• Anyone who handles your tape cartridge has been trained in proper handling and shipping procedures:
  • Operators
  • Users
  • Programmers
  • Archival services
  • Shipping
• Any archiving service or contracted IT services are properly trained in media handling procedures.
• Media handling procedures should be part of any services contract.
• Defined data recovery procedures are in place.
• Environmental conditions are maintained during shipment and any off-site storage. The recommended conditions are:
  • Shipping
    • -23 to 49 degrees Celsius (-9 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit)
    • 5% to 80% relative humidity (non-condensing)
    • 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit) maximum wet bulb
  • Operational Storage - (Less than 6 months)
    • 16 to 32 degrees Celsius (61 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit)
    • 20% to 80% relative humidity (non-condensing)
    • 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit) maximum wet bulb
  • Archival Storage - (Greater than 6 months)
    • 16 to 25 degrees Celsius (61 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit)
    • 20% to 50% relative humidity (non-condensing)
    • 26 degrees Celsius (79 degrees Fahrenheit) maximum wet bulb

See the media vendor's documentation for more detailed instructions.

Media Shipping and Handling - Packaging

Ship in the original packaging, or better packaging.

• Always ship and store in jewel cases.
• Use only recommended shipping cases that securely hold the cartridges in their jewel cases for transportation. "Turtle Cases" from Perm-A-Store have been tested and found to be satisfactory. See this URL:

  www.turtlecase.com

  

• Never ship a cartridge in a commercial shipping envelope without boxing and packaging.
• If shipping in cardboard or similar boxes
  • Double box the cartridges with padding between the boxes.
  • Pack snugly. Do not allow cartridges to rattle around.
  • If possible, place cartridges in polyethylene plastic wrap or bags to help seal out dust, moisture, and other contaminants.

    

Protect the data by protecting the media!

Media Shipping and Handling - Inspecting

Upon receipt of shipped cartridges:

• Inspect packaging to identify potential rough handling.
• Inspect tape cartridges for damage before using or storing.
• Check leader pin for correct seating.
• When there is evidence of poor handling or shipping, ensure that the cartridge, leader pin, and so forth are not damaged before putting the cartridge in a tape drive or library. A bad cartridge can damage a tape drive.
• If cartridge mishandling is suspected, but it appears usable, copy any data on to a good cartridge immediately for the best chance of data recovery. Discard the mishandled cartridge.
• If you need to recover data from a damaged cartridge, refer to your data recovery procedures.
• Review handling and shipping procedures.

Example: Correct leader pin placement

If the pin is loose, bent, or has a similar problem:

• Look for cartridge damage.
• Use the IBM Leader Pin Re-Attachment Kit - Part Number 08L9129, to correctly seat the pin. Then use data recovery procedures immediately to minimize chances of data loss.

  

  Example of correct pin placement

Example: Split Case

Case is damaged

• Strong evidence of mishandling
• High chance of media damage - potential data loss
• Use the IBM Leader Pin Re-Attachment Kit - Part Number 08L9129, to correctly seat the pin, then use data recovery procedures immediately to minimize chances of data loss
• Review media handling procedures.

  

  Example of a split case

Summary

• Package appropriately for shipping.
• Inspect for damage after shipping or rough handling, and take appropriate action.
• Do not put damaged media in drives or libraries - use data recovery services.
• For specific media types, please check your product's Planning and Operator Guide.
• With simple care and handling, you can get the most out of your tape media.

Protect the data by protecting the media!

Affected configuration

Cross-reference Information