Air quality in your archive
If you run an archive or look after its building, start with the air requirements for your store. Set them beside your plans for air tests. Write down what you know and where you still need data.
These pages are for the public body responsible for records (zorgdrager), archive staff and building managers. They also address people who manage libraries and collections. If you hold that records role, use this guide when you speak to the team that runs the store.
Start with the rule
Article 51 of the Dutch Archiefregeling covers gas levels, dust and airflow in archive stores. The source is in Dutch; we use its Dutch legal values as a reference. Article 54a gives storage climate values for each material. Read the archive air requirements and check which article to use with your test report. This guide follows the Dutch Archiefregeling as shown on wetten.overheid.nl on 7 November 2026.
Three checks for your store
Three checks are in preparation. Each check needs two inputs. Use the table to see which data to gather for your question.
|
Your question |
Data to have ready |
Check (in preparation) |
|---|---|---|
|
Is a gas below its limit? |
The gas and its measured annual mean |
Gas check: see Air requirements |
|
How much air needs to flow? |
The store volume and type of shelving |
Airflow check: see Air requirements |
|
Which climate fits this material? |
The material and type of room |
Storage check: see Climate by material |
Use the evidence you have
Find your most recent test report. Does it include gases? Air measurements explains what to ask about a test plan and its results. For a display case or reading room, see Museums and libraries.
If you have no report yet, describe the store in your request for air tests. Say which data you lack and who looks after the building.