Handling or moving of artefacts Anthropology staff inspecting a Kangri basket. Image copyright WA Museum Image from the blog post The Kashmiri Kangri, by the Western Australian Museum's Anthropology Department. Items in a collection have special needs when it comes to being handled. Objects may be fragile, old, decayed or worn and should only be handled by trained people who understand that object’s specific needs. As most damage to museum collections comes about from poor handling, handling should always be kept to a minimum. The nature of items in collections Many items will have survived much longer than their creators may have expected. Most will be decayed by age and may be damaged by: Light Relative humidity/temperature fluctuation Pest and/or fungal attack Handling Inappropriate storage They may appear to be solid or in good repair but often aren’t. They will have wear, tear and repairs from during their time of active use and beyond Collection items should never be handled as we would handle items at home Who should handle items? If an item needs moving, only trained, designated people should handle it. Members of the public or researchers should never be allowed to handle collection objects without guidance or supervision. Before moving or handling an item Understand the special needs of the item by examining for: Component parts Damage Weak points Repairs You need to have enough people to move an item for your own and the item’s safety Never move without considering the consequences – plan the move If necessary wait for help Appoint someone to coordinate the move Have someone to open doors, steady the object and observe parts of the object that you not be able to see Make sure the item will fit through doorways, on elevators etc and that the pathway is clear The final resting surface for the object needs to be clear, steady and able to support the weight of the object Don’t rush! STOP – THINK – MOVE/HANDLE Isolate the item from direct body contact Use white, lintless cotton gloves whenever possible to stop acids and salts from skin causing damage to the item The exception to this rule is for potentially slippery objects like varnished furniture, glass or ceramic items or for objects with textured surfaces which might catch. In this case handle objects with rubber surgical gloves or without gloves if necessary It is critical to wear gloves when handling metal items, especially polished metals eg arms and armour and also for oriental lacquerware Rubber or nitrile surgical gloves can be used, especially on flaking metal objects and some ethnographic items If absolutely necessary to handle items without gloves, wash and dry hands thoroughly Wear white cotton lab coats to protect you and your clothing from the artefact and vice versa Handling and moving items Remove jewellery, watches or other items that may catch or scratch items Avoid wearing loose or hanging garments that may catch on artefacts Concentrate when handling or moving the item eg don’t be doing something else as well Use a trolley for moving items where possible. This should be rubber wheeled and internally and externally padded to cushion the item from collision, movement and vibration When using a trolley: Do not stack items Go as close to the point of loading and unloading as possible to avoid over carrying Do not move too fast, jerk, or stop or start too suddenly Block or steady the trolley when loading Try to avoid uneven surfaces (eg brick or tile paving, edges of carpets, door thresholds, lift entrances) and steps where possible Failing a trolley, use a tray. If you must carry or move items: Use two hands, gripping item firmly but not too tightly Never carry too much – one item at a time Make sure the item is placed in its most stable position before moving Try to keep items upright in order that they may better carry their own weight If carried or rested on side, ensure that the item is not resting on a projection and that weak points such as necks of vases or figurines are supported Ensure strongest part takes the strain. Supporting items from underneath is usually the best Remove loose parts, including detachable bases or mounts, before moving – move these separately. Do not use adhesive tapes to hold parts together Support all fixed or moveable parts of an item Don’t lift items up by handles or projecting parts eg the arms of a statue Try to avoid reaching over items or lifting an item over other items Always pick up boxes, especially supermarket type boxes, from base Never pack light/fragile and heavy objects into the same container for moving Use appropriate high impact padding or cushioning between items in containers in transit Before disposing of packing material check for unpacked items Don’t open doors while still attempting to hold items Have small tables near doors and storage areas Do not put item on ground Report any damage to items immediately. Save broken parts Occupational health and safety Your safety and health is of prime importance Make good use of trolleys or dollies for moving heavier items Do not lift heavy items unnecessarily Use safety equipment such as back braces and steel capped boots Bend at the knees to lift rather than at back References and further reading: Summarised version of Anstey, S. (2001), Handling or moving of artefacts American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material (AICCM) Conservation OnLine Museums and Galleries NSW, Online Resources , in particular Handle museum objects, Handle paper, paintings and framed objects, and Handle textiles, furniture, ceramics and glass objects Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material (AICCM), ReCollections Shelley, M. (ed) (1992), The care and handling of art objects: practices in the Metropolitan Museum of Art New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art (rev. ed).