Subject: | |
From: | |
Reply To: | |
Date: | Thu, 8 Sep 2005 18:14:59 -0400 |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
The following is to some extent an unpaid commercial announcement (I
get nothing), as SPECSBROS is owned and operated by my brother and
sister-in-law. On the other hand Peter and Susan Brothers, are two
of the world's leading experts on tape recovery. While they are not
allowed to say it, they have a recovery rate of well over 90% and, to
my knowledge, never had a tape that they couldn't recover most of
the data off. If anyone is interested they can be reached at:
http://www.specsbros.com/ or 1-800-852-7732
One of the things he mentioned to me as being pretty critical is
don't dry tape. Unlike paper records you can't read them through a
"stain". Tape can be rinsed off, distilled water is preferred as the
chlorine in normal drinking will damage the tape. Freeze drying is to
be avoided at all costs as it tends to leave mineral/chemical crusts
on the tape that are virtually impossible to remove.
From the SPECSBROS website:
FIRST AND FOREMOST...THINK POSITIVE
DON'T PANIC, but do get help as soon as possible. Experience,
research, and testing have lead to the development of highly
effective restoration techniques. At SPECS BROS. we routinely restore
video, audio and instrumentation tapes that were considered unusable
due to disaster-related damage. We are capable of restoring a single
tape or an entire library.
SPECS BROS. offers the following services to assist in your recovery:
FIRE RESTORATION
FLOOD RECLAMATION
CHEMICAL DECONTAMINATION
ON- SITE EVALUATIONS
RECOVERY COST ESTIMATES
DUPLICATION
We have included a few basic tips to help you handle your materials,
prevent consequential damage and get you started on the road to
recovery:
DISASTER REACTION
5 TIPS TO MINIMIZE DAMAGE
DO NOT PLAY BACK
Playing contaminated tapes prior to restoration may cause additional
damage to tapes and can harm machinery.
HANDLE MATERIAL CAREFULLY
Exercise extreme care when moving tapes from a disaster site.
Changing tapes' orientation can cause damage and spread contaminants.
If possible, tapes should be cushioned against shock and insulated
against sudden changes in temperature.
FOR FIRE/SMOKE CONTAMINATION
Chemicals and techniques used to decontaminate your facility are not
applicable to magnetic tape. Tape cases should remain closed until
proper decontamination can be performed. If tapes have been
contaminated by water or fire-suppressant chemicals they need
immediate attention.
FOR FLOOD/LIQUID CONTAMINATION
Tapes exposed to liquids should be decontaminated as soon as
possible, while tapes are still wet. Air drying at your facility is
not recommended, as improper drying causes the tapes to deform and
may leave corrosive residues. Wet tapes should be kept cool at all
times to slow decay.
FOR CONSTRUCTION/QUAKE CONTAMINATION
Plaster and mortar dust are both abrasive and easily spread. Tapes
should be isolated to prevent further contamination. Moisture can
chemically activate corrosive elements: keep tapes dry at all times.
DISASTER RECOVERY
5 TIPS TO FACILITATE RECOVERY
ASSESS DAMAGE
Have an expert examine your materials as soon as possible. Most tapes
are damaged or contaminated, not destroyed. Virtually all tapes can
be restored if they are handled properly.
REVIEW INVENTORY
Check inventory lists and source records. If alternate copies exist,
restoration of some materials many not be necessary.
CHECK INSURANCE
Establish early what your insurance will cover. Remember that any
delay in initiating restoration procedures is likely to cause
additional damage and cost more.
DETERMINE RESOURCES
Time and budget constraints can hamper restoration efforts. Estimate
your budget and prioritize your materials.
GET HELP
The sooner you get professional help, the more effective your damage
control and recovery will be.
|
|
|