User guide

StorageLibrary T40+ Series Installation and User Guide 85
11
11 Working With Cartridges and Barcodes
This chapter describes how to work with cartridges and barcodes. When working with cartridges,
there are certain considerations that should be taken into account. It is recommended that all
cartridges in the library should have a barcode label. In addition, when loading your library, you
should be aware of whether or not your cartridges are write-protected.
This section discusses these types of items in general terms. Please refer to Approved Drive Types
for information on what type of tape cartridges are supported for specific tape drive types.
It is recommended that you allocate a cleaning cartridge to each library partition.
Handling Cartridges Properly
To secure the longest possible cartridge life-span, we recommend that you follow these guidelines:
• Select a visible location in order to post procedures that describe proper media handling.
• Ensure that anyone who handles cartridges has been properly trained on all procedures.
• Do not drop or strike cartridges. Excessive shock could damage the internal contents of cartridges
or the cartridge casings themselves, rendering the cartridges unusable.
• Do not expose cartridges to direct sunlight or sources of heat, including portable heaters and
heating ducts.
• Do not stack cartridges more than five high.
• The operating temperature range for LTO cartridges is 10º–35ºC. The storage temperature range
is 16º–32ºC in a dust-free environment, with a relative humidity range between 20%–80% (non-
condensing).
• If cartridges have been exposed to temperatures outside the ranges specified above, stabilize the
cartridges at room temperature for the same amount of time that they have been exposed to
extreme temperatures, or for 24 hours, whichever is less.
• Do not place cartridges near sources of electromagnetic energy or strong magnetic fields, such as
computer monitors, cellular phones, electric motors, speakers, or x-ray equipment. Exposure to
electromagnetic energy or magnetic fields can destroy data and the embedded servo code written
on the media by the cartridge manufacturer, rendering the cartridges unusable.
• Place identification labels only in the designated slots on the cartridges.
• If you ship cartridges, ship them in their original packaging or something stronger.
• Do not insert damaged cartridges into tape drives.
• Avoid touching the tape or tape leader.
Caution
Do not degauss cartridges that you intend to re-use.