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particular relevance are places such as malkhana where valuable caserecords are stored. Similarly, the record room where crime files andother documents are stored should have excellent fire fightingarrangement. Volatile chemicals, various types of fuel and suchdangerous items should be specially packed and stored. Basementand barsati are equally vulnerable and should not be used asdumping grounds.35.6.6 Pest control particularly of rodents, is required in all branches,not only for preservation of documents and other material but alsobecause rats and other pests will cause damages to the electricalwiring and also to other important fittings. Special precautions shouldbe taken at the time of Diwali and other festivals as also marriagesand local celebrations where fire crackers are used. Roof tops of thebuilding should not contain any inflammable material which cancatch fire if a fire cracker falls on it accidentally. Similarly, windowsand ventilators should always be kept shut, particularly in off dutyhours.35.7 Document security and security of valuables35.7.1 As our organisation has a document oriented work atmosphere,proper storage of documents is essential to counter hazards. The ageold system of storing case documents in steel trunks is not such abad idea provided we know what documents are contained in whichtrunk and do not retain unnecessary records with us. The generaltendency is for IOs to store their documents in wooden or steelalmirahs and this needs to give way to the work station concept inwhich over head bins retain only those papers which are required ona daily basis. The bulkier records seized or required for examinationand scrutiny need to be stored in a fire proof room deep within thebranch premises.35.7.2 Branches will have to go in for fire proof cabinets and ensurethat the malkhana has two or three such cabinets to store valuableproperties such as currency notes, share and stock certificates,computer CD ROMs and floppies as well as gold and jewellery items.The degree of security required for the malkhana is the greatest.Hence, as mentioned earlier, chemicals and other inflammablematerial should not be stored in the malkhana. Documents securityincludes the reprographic facilities such as xerox machine, duplicatormachine and fax machine which need to be kept under the personalcontrol of a responsible member of the staff. Unnecessary copiesshould be destroyed by using the shredding machine. At no costshould we use the old method of burning of the papers. The latter isnot efficient or fool proof.Page 234 of 234