The goal of any sterile storage area is to provide an efficient, effective space that ensures the protection of sterile items. The packaging alone does not provide a complete barrier against contamination. Each department must establish policies and procedures for storing and handling of sterile items. Managers must assure that the staff adheres to these policies. Sterile storage areas must provide conditions for sterile items to not only remain sterile and functional, but must also be available when needed. Three conditions that will compromise packaging and sterility maintenance are: moisture, soil and physical damage. The CSSD has to establish safeguards to maintain package integrity and sterility. These are: Environmental controls, Controlling traffic patterns, Storage systems, Proper inventory control / Proper handling of sterile items.