Disaster Management LRC network meeting 20 th June

Disaster Management LRC network meeting 20 th June 2011

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

Mould damage Red rot

Vermin damage Damage by silverfish Damage by mice

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 Description Mini bins Purpose Bin liners 20 Disposal of rubbish, including items beyond salvage Emergency Response Salvage Wheel 1 Guiding salvage action depending on which format has been damaged Face masks 10 Protection against dust and mould. Compulsory for staff to use Freezer wrap (Go-between) 2 roll of 15 m Preventing individual items sticking together when freeze-dried, or for keeping items damp until they can be processed Gloves, latex 1 box Personal protection/safety Goggles, plastic safety 1 Personal protection/safety Paper towels 4 rolls Interleaving items while drying, e. g. , the pages of a book Plastic bucket (small) 2 Collecting water, carrying wet items, can be used in conjunction with mop Plastic sheeting, heavy duty 1 roll Covering tables, lining boxes, protecting shelving from dust, water or pests Sponges (packs of 4) 2 packets Mopping up water in small amounts, cleaning items that are wet, drying off tables, etc. String 1 roll Attaching labels to boxes, bags, etc. Setting up lines to dry light items such as pamphlets Tape, ‘Caution’ 1 Isolating the recovery area or items that may be dangerous Tape, water-proof masking 2 rolls General assembly of boxes and sealing of bags Tape, gaffer 1 roll Securing plastic sheeting, electric cables, etc. Towelling or rags (cotton) 20– 30 pieces Soaking up water, dust and dirt Washing-line cord or reel of fishing line 1 Making a simple line for drying light items such as pamphlets Source – Cultural Collections University Library

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