Records classification

Class	Definition	Example	Recommended Protection
Class 1 - Vitals	Records essential to the continued life of the business. These records are irreplaceable because they give evidence of legal status, ownership, and financial status.  Vital records are generally housed in active records storage.	Accounts receivable Inventory Contracts Creative materials Research records	Fire resistant vaults Dispersal Fire resistant safes/cabinets
Class 2 -Important	Records necessary to the continued life of the business.  While these records can be replaced or reproduced, this can be done only at considerable time and money. Important records can be housed in either active or inactive storage.	Accounts payable Directives Payroll records	Safes Vaults
Class 3 - Useful	Records useful to the uninterrupted operation of the business. These records are replaceable although their loss could cause temporary inconvenience.	Bank statements Correspondence	File cabinets
Class 4 - Nonessential	Records having no present value and should be destroyed.	Requests answered Advertisements Announcements	Use, then destroy

Source: Gordon P. McKinnon, editor. Fire Protection Handbook, 15th ed. (Boston : National Fire Protection Association, 1981).