1. Object handling procedures
Harrison County Historical Society

2. Why Do We Need Object Handling Procedures?
They are a necessary component of risk management for our collection.
Proper handling guidelines reduce the wear and tear on our objects.
It permits only trained people to handle our collection.
These procedures help preserve our collection for future generations

3. General Concepts to Always Follow
Don’t handle objects unnecessarily.
Always have a plan.
Ask for help if you don’t know how to handle certain objects, or consult your collections management policy.
Use pencil—not ink.
Keep hands clean.

4. More Concepts to Follow
No food or drink in the work area.
If you are uncomfortable handling/moving an object, please tell us.
Use gloves except for glass and ceramics.
If an object gets damaged, save all of the pieces, and tell a representative on site.

5. This is NOT how to move objects

6. Moving Objects This is a better example on how to move objects.
Why is this better?

7. Moving Objects Don’t handle objects unnecessarily.
Bundle activities to minimize handling.
Have a clean, clear space ready for the object before moving it.
Know your route.
Doors, people, and uneven floors are all potential hazards.
Check for weaknesses in the object before moving.
Remove lids or other loose pieces prior to moving.

8. Moving Objects Always lift and support the body of the object.
Don’t lift objects by protruding parts or secondary parts such as straps, handles, or lids.
Always use two hands when moving any objects.
Pack objects with non-reactive packaging to ensure their protection during transport.
Don’t handle, move, or carry more than one object at a time.

9. Moving Objects
Try not to transfer an object directly to another person.
The exception being handing down an object if you are on a stepladder.
Never try to lift a heavy object alone.
Don’t lift furniture by the arms or back.
Don’t transport paintings by the frame or the hanging mechanism.

10. Moving Objects
Always use a container, support tray, carrying basket, cart, or dolly to move objects if you are traveling more than a few steps.
A box content list describing the materials inside are taped to each box.
If you are uncomfortable moving an object, please tell someone.

11. Handling Papers/Photographs
Use gloves
Don’t let papers and photographs hang over the sides of the work table.
Don’t pick up photographs and papers by the edges.
Don’t let paper flutter when transporting it.
Remove all paper clips, staples, and pins from manuscripts.
Use pencil—not ink—for labeling.

12. Handling Textiles Don’t pick up textiles by the edges.
Don’t let textiles hang over the ends of the work table.
Carry textiles fully supported by both arms.
Sew the object label on with needle and thread.
Make sure you have clean hands and use gloves.
Never try to clean or repair a textile yourself.

13. Handling Glass & Ceramics
Use clean, dry, bare hands to handle glass and ceramics.
Don’t pick up by the handles.
Check for weaknesses and cracks before handling.
Make sure broken or loose pieces are kept with the object.

14. Handling Books Use gloves
Remove all paper clips, staples, pins, newspaper clippings, and unrelated notes found in the books.
Never pull old books by the top of the spine when retrieving it from a shelf.
Use your thumb and index finger to lift it out by the center of the spine.
Open old books carefully.

15. Handling Furniture
Before picking up a piece of furniture, check for broken or loose pieces.
Pick it up at the points of strength.
Never slid or drag furniture across the floor—use a dolly.
Don’t use harsh cleaners to dust or clean the furnishings.
Please, don’t sit or set items on the furniture unless it is part of an exhibit.

16. Handling Framed Art Use gloves
Never touch the surface—it will flake off.
Don’t pick up by the frame or the hanging mechanism.
Use supports to move them.
Store upright.

17. Handling Metal Transport heavy metal artifacts on carts or dollies.
Most metal artifacts should not be handled with bare hands.
Always wear clean cotton, latex, or nitrile gloves. Avoid using cotton gloves on friable decorative surfaces.
A jeweler’s cloth may be used to wipe fingerprints off.

18. Miscellaneous Handling Guidelines
Don’t immediately discard packing materials without searching for associated materials (lids, pieces, labels, etc.)
When leaving an object unattended overnight or over the weekend, make sure the object number is associated with it. Cover the object with a layer of protective layer of cloth, then place an “Object Below” card on top.
Never attempt to repair a damaged object or manuscript by yourself.
Some conservation such as encapsulation may be done in house.
If the conservation needs are beyond your knowledge, the object must go to a conservator.

19. Key Things to Remember Don’t handle it if not necessary
Always have a plan
If you don’t know, ask!
Use gloves
If it gets damaged, tell someone!