Preventive Conservation in Action

• Objectives• General Principles of Handling • Specific Principles• Discussion and viewing samples

Objectives“Minimise handling to minimise damage”

• Minimisation of irreversible damage is achieved through safe handling practices, by striving to minimise unnecessary handling

• To handle artefacts with an appreciation that the accumulative pre-museum ‘lifetime’ makes artefacts fragile and vulnerable

• Maintain in condition receipted: retain physical evidence, authenticity; artefact integrity or SIGNIFICANCE

• Examine and improve current practices• Develop ‘best practice guides’ for staff and clients –

integrated policy, protocols and procedures

General Principles of Handling

4 Key Activities:

1. Organising/Planning2. Movement/Handling3. Documentation4. Storage

Organising/PlanningBefore starting plan and check the work area is:• Clean, covered if required (Cellair™, Tyvek™)• Free of obstacles• Good, even lighting• Collect all materials and equipment required• Work on a table or with the artefact raised off the floor.

• Check database/records for any specific instructions or requirements (Pest & Hazards)

• Remove ‘hazardous’ jewellery, swinging passes, items which may fall out of upper pockets.

Handling – when and what gloves to wear• Disposable nitrile/latex gloves - commonly used. Smooth

non-absorbent surface which is good for objects with rough surfaces that may catch on cotton gloves. Provide more grip than cotton gloves. Change frequently to avoid transfer of dirt/grime to other objects.

• Cotton Gloves – Good for clean dry objects that are not rough or very smooth. They can be washed and reused. Will allow some moisture through.

• Clean dry hands are also an option – this may be the most appropriate for very heavy objects, extremely fragile or handling books.

Always wash hands before and after eating food while on breaks.

Movement/Handling

• Does the artefact need moving. In some instances it might be safer to take a visitor to the object.

• Consider OHS issues in each handling situation i.e. ergonomics, weight, dimensions, PPE

• Plan your move. • Allow sufficient time.

• Thoroughly inspect artefact prior to any movement to identify risks and hazards – safe holding points

• Place artefact on work surface to enable as much visual inspection as possible, without placing stress on any part, and minimise documentation handling

• Identify which support method and material is best for each type of artefact

• Move supported artefacts via trolley at all times

Documentation

• Minimise handling by using visual inspection as much as possible

• Be aware of behaviour - do not wave or pass things over artefacts

• Never place equipment on artefact – measure at edges only – do not TOUCH artefact

• Use pencils• Cover artefact when not accessed with Tyvek (to minimise

light and dust exposure)

Storage• Check pathways are clear, gather equipment needs for

the particular job and location – use trolley at all times to move objects. Have assistance to open doors and spot large objects.

• Packing and support needs include physical and environmental protection – see Specific Handling requirements

• Range of standard materials include – Tyvek, Cellair, Foamcor, corrugated board/trays, archival boxes, PE tubs, acid-free tissue, Dacron cushions.

Specific Handling RequirementsWorking with different materials types and size objects

• 3-D (timber, leather, metal)• Glass, Stone Ceramic• Ethnographic• Paintings and Framed works• Large Technology Objects• Hazards• Textiles

3-D (timber, leather, metal)• Handle based on the most fragile component i.e.

handles, joinery, binding.• Use nitrile gloves for metal artefacts and those with

rough or very smooth surfaces• Position hands to support main structure. Use padding in

small tubs to support and cradle items.

Furniture : Medium items

• Check for loose or removable parts

• Lift by lowest possible part.

• Never drag as legs can loosen.

• Avoid handling the upholstery.

• Avoid turning upside down.

• Determine the weight. Is lifting equipment required or an extra set of hands.

• Support and secure to pallet or trolley for transport

Glass, Stone, Ceramic

• Handle based on the most fragile component i.e. broken areas

• Avoid handling by original handles as these may have weakened through use over time.

• Wear nitrile gloves• Evenly support the whole

structure by positioning hands accordingly.

Oversized and heavy objects

• For oversized and heavy items – use handling equipment if necessary

• Move and temporarily store in tubs supporting with padding of Cellair, Ethafoam or Dacron cushions.

• Unusual shaped objects made need individually designed supports.

Ethnographic (feathers, fur, fibre)• Handle based on the most fragile component. Loose

fibres can be present, take care to minimise loss.• Use gloves or clean hands as appropriate• Support main structure – use handling boards, cradles

and tubs with padding, use hands to support all areas.• Use a team for large sized objects (even if they aren’t

heavy)

Paintings & Framed Items• Use clean hands or nitrile gloves as appropriate• Handle by the edges or frame only. Never lift by the top

edge, • Use a team for oversized and heavy items, use the

handling blocks or supports if they are built in.• Move unframed items on support boards or tray. Use a

trolley if moving longer distances.

Framed or stretched artworks• Carry by bottom edge

and side (using handling blocks if present on large works.

• ‘A’ frame or flat trolley with painted surface out, uncovered

• Use art blocks to lift artworks off the floor when resting against the wall.

Large Technology Objects• Specific equipment and specialist skills (certifications)

can be required to transport and install/display. Develop Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS).

• Consider designing supports that can be used for storage/transport and display.

Hazardous Artefacts

• Maintain a Hazard register – begin by surveying your collection and check incoming artefacts for hazards.

• Check records for hazards prior to handling and either:– Contact Conservator for advise– Quarantine/isolate artefact – lidded PE tub

• Beware of:– Biological (mould, frass)– Chemical (paints, batteries, medicines, wet

specimens)– Radioactive (clocks, scientific instruments)– Kinetic (sharps, weight)

Textiles

• Clean hands/ latex gloves• As far as possible examine the object by looking at it rather than

handling it. • Move and store:

– 3-D - overall support in archival box, lined and covered with Tyvek. Pad out form using custom supports or acid free tissue

– 2-D - overall support in archival box, lined and covered with Tyvek.

– For light oversized flat textiles concertina/fold over ‘sausage’ forms, interleave layers with acid free tissue.

– For heavy oversized textiles such as tapestries or rugs use covered Dacron supports

Boxing

Archival board Polypropylene

Rolled storage for textiles

Cardboard roll covered with a barrier of Mylar (polyethylene film)

Roll covered with a barrier of archival tissue, excess tucked into ends

Textile object rolled flat, interleaved with archival tissue.

Textile supports

Custom underpinnings

Customising commercial mannequin

Useful websites

• http://www.nma.gov.au/collections/caring-for-the-collection/door_to_store_caring_for_your_collection

• Door to store: caring for your collection of hats and shoes• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca8_bwW7kvQ• Door to store: caring for your collection of paper and textiles• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1OCjCon85A• http://www.albox.com.au/• http://www.aiccm.org.au/• http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/conservation/resources.php• https://www.cci-icc.gc.ca/information/public-publique-eng.aspx