ISO 18938:2014 establishes general principles for the care and handling of digital optical discs during use. It addresses the issues of physical integrity of the medium necessary to preserve access to the recorded data (information). ISO 18938:2014 includes recommendations for handling procedures to maximize the effective life of optical discs.

The following are within the scope of ISO 18938:2014:

use and handling environments, including pollutants, temperature and humidity and light exposure;

contamination concerns;

inspection;

cleaning and maintenance, including cleaning methods and frequency;

transportation;

disasters, including water, fire, construction and post-disaster procedures;

staff training.