Disaster Management LRC network meeting 20 th June 2011

Possible disasters Possible disasters include: Fire Smoke damage Burnt records Flood Water damage Mould Vermin damage Holes/destruction Dropping damage

Fire damage Some areas of the building are significantly affected however the filing compactus remains intact. There is also smoke and water damage throughout the building, which requires cleaning. Cleaning has commenced and document recovery is underway. “ ”

Water damage Water damage happens fast. Thursday am Friday pm Friday am Thursday pm Wednesday pm

Mould damage Red rot Mould damage

Vermin damage Damage by mice Damage by silverfish

Responding to a crisis Identify vital records that require restoration – identify priorities in terms of damage and business need Identify whether or not you can undertake the restoration yourself. Identify equipment and space needed and the responsibilities of each member of staff. Move records carefully using protective equipment such as masks and gloves. Support damaged records in transit to avoid further damage due to weakened fibres No record is more important than a person – do not enter dangerous situations or expose yourself to risks to rescue records.

Professional restoration

Crisis preparation DescriptionMini binsPurpose Bin liners20Disposal of rubbish, including items beyond salvage Emergency Response Salvage Wheel 1Guiding salvage action depending on which format has been damaged Face masks10Protection against dust and mould. Compulsory for staff to use Freezer wrap (Go-between)2 roll of 15m Preventing individual items sticking together when freeze-dried, or for keeping items damp until they can be processed Gloves, latex1 boxPersonal protection/safety Goggles, plastic safety1Personal protection/safety Paper towels4 rollsInterleaving items while drying, e.g., the pages of a book Plastic bucket (small)2Collecting water, carrying wet items, can be used in conjunction with mop Plastic sheeting, heavy duty1 rollCovering tables, lining boxes, protecting shelving from dust, water or pests Sponges (packs of 4)2 packetsMopping up water in small amounts, cleaning items that are wet, drying off tables, etc. String1 rollAttaching labels to boxes, bags, etc. Setting up lines to dry light items such as pamphlets Tape, ‘Caution’1Isolating the recovery area or items that may be dangerous Tape, water-proof masking2 rollsGeneral assembly of boxes and sealing of bags Tape, gaffer1 rollSecuring plastic sheeting, electric cables, etc. Towelling or rags (cotton)20–30 piecesSoaking up water, dust and dirt Washing-line cord or reel of fishing line 1Making a simple line for drying light items such as pamphlets Source – Cultural Collections University Library

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