HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.1 Attch 1 Handling Guidelines for Kolb Collections
Handling Guidelines for'Kolb Collections:
Report by: Heather Farquhar
Collections Manager, Hayward Area Historical Society
M.A., Museum Studies / Collection Management John F. Kennedy University
The most common danger to museum collections is human interaction. For this
reason we want to handle objects as little as possible and only when absolutely
necessary. It is the responsibility of each person assigned the task of handling
objects to minimize the risk of damage as much as possible. By following the
guidelines set forth below we can prevent many accidents from happening.
1. Prepare yourself, do not rush, plan and think through every step of what you will
do before you touch the object.
2. Ask yourself what could go wrong and determine what you can do to protect the
object if something should go wrong.
3. Keep all harmful materials away from the object. Do not allow food, drink,
cigarettes, cleaners or chemicals in areas where objects are on display, housed
or worked on.
4. Examine yourself
- Always wash your hands before handling an object, even if you will be
wearing gloves.
- Do not use hand cream as the oils can stain objects.
- Make sure your clothing is free of anything that could catch on an
object, scratch an object or tear an object.
- Wear a clean, bibbed apron when possible that does not have
pockets.
- If you wear glasses, be sure to wear a safety strap to prevent them
falling off when leaning over an object.
- Remove all jewelry as it can scratch the surface of objects.
- If you have long hair be sure to tie it back.
- Wear clothing that will not drag across an object.
- Wear shoes that provide you with a stable center of balance and have
a slip resistant sole.
5. Plan and examine your route of travel.
- Know where you are going and the route you will take before picking
up an object.
Make sure your route is clear and free of potential obstacles.
Plan how you will open doors or handle other obstacles.
ATTACHMENT 1
Turn on all lights along your route before starting.
Be sure to ask for help if you think you will need it.
Move objects during non-business hours.
- Make sure the area you are moving the object to is free and clear.
6. Use gloves to prevent the transfer of oils from your skin to the object.
- Use cotton, nitrite, butyl, neoprene or latex gloves.
- Change gloves as soon as you notice them becoming dirty.
- If an object has a rough surface that might snag on cotton gloves use
one of the alternative choices.
- If an object has a slick surface nitrile gloves, or those made of a
similar material, should be used.
- If there is the possibility that an object has absorbed toxic materials
DO NOT use cotton gloves.
7. Examine your object
- Look to see if there are any areas of obvious concern.
- Make sure attached parts are secure. Do not assume they can bear
weight.
- Evaluate areas of strength and weakness, but don't test these areas
by tapping or prodding them.
- Always handle an object as if it is not stable, even if it appears to be.
8. Moving objects
- Know where the object is going to be placed.
- Make sure there is enough space.
- Carry only one object at a time.
- Use both hands if carrying by hand and support the object at its center
of gravity.
Line carts, trays or other moving vehicles with a material that will not
snag to provide cushion. Eathafoam or carpet squares are examples.
If an object is damaged, wrap pieces in tissue and place them
together in a box.
Never attempt to repair objects on your own, always seek professional
advice.
9. Heavier objects
- Maintain proper posture - back straight, legs do most of the work.
- Use an back support belt when necessary.
- Do not hand an object from one person to another. Set it down first
and then let the other person pick it up.
- Do not attempt to move objects that are too heavy or awkward for one
person.
- When moving an object with another person be sure to communicate
with each other throughout the entire move. Determine ahead of time
how and where you will each hold the object and the route you will
take.
Be aware of your surroundings to prevent bumping into other things.
- When possible, recruit a third person to open doors and monitor
clearance.
10. Always use a ladder rather than a chair to reach objects over your head.
11. Work space
- Use only pencils in areas where objects are on display, housed or
worked on.
- Do not use tools directly over or next to an object.
Special Handling
Framed Art Work
- Examine the object before handling.
- Look for loose or broken pieces on the frame.
- Make sure the artwork is secure in the frame.
- Wear gloves.
- Use both hands to lift.
- Lift by grasping the sides of the frame, not the top.
- If art work is large and two people are required, each person should
lift with one hand on the side and one hand on the bottom of the
frame.
- Do not carry paintings by the stretcher bar.
- Keep paintings orientated in the direction they hang.
Textiles
- Use extreme caution
- Always move textiles on some form of support - hanger, mannequin,
flat surface, etc.
- Never allow it to drag on the ground.
- Never display or store the textile in a manner that causes the fabric to
pull or stretch.
Works on Paper
- Never lift by the edges.
- Slip a thin support underneath it (i.e. index card or spatula) to raise it
enough to place a board under it.
- Carry the board not the work.
- Use two hands.
Books
Examine book before handling it.
- Look for loose bindings, pages and fragile covers.
- Pick it up in its closed position.
- Keep flat to prevent stress on bindings.
- Use two hands.
Ceramics and Glass
- Use nitrile gloves or gloves made of a similar material.
- Gently grip by the base.
- Examine for old repairs and cracks that may weaken the structure.
- Use both hands.
- If moving multiple objects on a cart, place padding between the
objects.
Furniture
- Lift and carry all furniture. Do not drag, push or pull as it puts strain on
the joints.
- Use a cart of furniture moving cart to move.
- Use pads or blankets to protect piece from damage if bumped.
- Use soft cords or straps and place a blanket between them and the
object.
- Always lift chairs by the seat, never by the back or arms.
- Carry with one hand under seat and one hand supporting the back.
- Move large pieces with the help of one or two additional people.
- Furniture with multiple parts should be taken apart and moved in
pieces.
- Secure movable parts with cotton twill tape.
- Carry marble or glass table tops in the vertical position to prevent
breakage.