• Records should be stored on media that ensure their useability, reliability, authenticity and preservation for as long as they are needed
• Issues relating to the maintenance, handling and storage of records arise throughout their existence, not only when they become inactive

• Records require storage conditions and handling processes that take into account their specific physical and chemical properties

• Storage conditions and handling processes should be designed to protect records from unauthorized access, loss or destruction, and from theft and disaster

• Organizations should have policies and guidelines for converting or migrating records from one records system to another

For more detailed information on storage and handling of records, please see Part 5 of the Records Management Policy Manual of the National Archives (http://www.national.archives.gov.za/rms/v1_2_records_management_policy_manual.pdf )