RISK MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES,
CONSERVATION DIVISION
INGENIUM CANADA
August 2009
(updated April 2018)
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Work Environment and Procedures:
1.1.large objects
1.2.operational objects
1.3.working in confined spaces
1.4.working at heights
1.5.working with chemicals
1.6.working with power tools
1.7.accident reporting
- Artifact-related Risk Procedures:
- physical and mechanical risk
- size
- stored energy
- explosives
- Cathode ray tubes
- biological risk
- animal waste
- mould
- bacteria
- blood products
- chemical and mineral risk
- arsenic
- asbestos
- batteries
- beryllium copper
- cadmium
- carbon fiber
- fire extinguishers
- lead
- mercury
- pesticides and fungicides
- pharmaceuticals
- photo processing chemicals
- picric acid
- polonium-210 antistatic brushes
- PCBs
- printing inks
- radiation
- refrigerants
- unknown
OBJECTIVE OF THIS DOCUMENT:
The purpose of this document is to state acceptable work practices and safe handling procedures for identified risks and hazards in the collection of Ingenium. These guidelines apply to staff in the Conservation Division, and are also applicable to Collections staff and anyone working with objects either in a research or curatorial role. Furthermore, these guidelines apply to volunteers and students working under the supervision of Ingenium staff.
Additional resources are available as Artifact Hazard Risk Assessments and Safe Work Practices (RASP) and in Collection Risk Management documents. These documents can be found in . Consult your supervisor or manager for specific work practices relevant to your work group and role.
1. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PROCEDURES:
All work within the Conservation Division shall be carried out in compliance with accepted safe practices with respect to use of tools, chemicals and equipment.
1.1 Large Objects
It is required that a minimum of two staff members be present when handling or moving large artifacts. Additional staff may be required to act as “spotters” to monitor the environment around the activity. Treatment or movement of large objects must be undertaken by personnel trained in the safe operation of lifting devices such as forklifts and lift trucks. Staff are required to be certified with a program such as S.A.F.E. (Safety Awareness for Forklift Equipment), and to keep this certification current.
All safety precautions for both the artifact and worker will be adhered to at all times i.e. the use of appropriate strapping, bracing, etc. Personal safety equipment such as safety boots, hard-hats, gloves and goggles, must be worn as required by the Canada Labour Code (CLC).
1.2 Operational Objects
The safe operation of artifacts is contingent on factors such as material composition and stability, construction and design, structural stability, and inspection by qualified personnel. User knowledge and safety awareness is equally important for historic and modern artifacts alike. Safety standards today are more stringent than historically, and many artifacts do not have built-in safeguards. Operators must possess a thorough understanding of the operational parameters of the object and any inherent risks.
Operation of historic equipment shall only be carried out by staff with appropriate and current certification or licenses in the operation of said equipment.
No equipment, especially historic equipment, must be operated near the public prior to being certified or inspected, as required by the Technical Standards and Safety Association or other appropriate inspection agency. Emergency and fire mitigation equipment must be accessible, and if appropriate, an emergency response plan in place prior to operation.
A risk assessment shall be carried out prior to operation, where appropriate, to determine whether the operation of the artifact is viable and justified. The assessment shall be done in consultation with the Curator responsible for the artifact; and must include the option of ceasing operation if the integrity of the artifact is deemed at risk.
1.3 Working in Confined Spaces
All work in confined spaces must be carried out by staff trained and certified to work in these conditions. A confined space is defined as : “A fully or partially enclosed space that is not primarily designed or intended for human occupancy and in which, because of its construction, location or contents or work activity therein, the accumulation of a hazardous gas, vapour, dust or fume or the cration of an oxygen-deficient atmosphere may occur.” (Confined Space and Hazardous Environment Operations, P.R.E.P Services International course presented at the AviationMuseum May 2005)
Under no circumstances will staff enter confined spaces which present a situation that is immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) which may include but are not limited to oxygen deficiency, explosive or flammable atmospheres, and/or concentrations of toxic substances.
If such a situation arises, external consultants will be contracted to assess the situation.
1.4 Working at heights
All staff must have current training and certification in Working at Heights (WAH) procedures. Appropriate safety harnesses or personal restraints must be used wherever workers are exposed to the hazard of falling more than 3 metres (10 feet). All ladders and scaffolding are to be secured according to the guidelines of the Construction Safety Association of Ontario.
All powered elevating work platforms must be equipped with guardrails, and must not be moved with workers aboard unless each worker wears a full body harness adequately tied off to the platform. * (Basics of Fall Protection, Construction Safety Association of Canada). Personnel operating these various platforms must be certified under the above “Fall Arrest” program.
1.5 Working with chemicals
All staff must have current training and certification in Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), and must conform with standard practice of safety equipment and labeling, as defined in the WHMIS code.
All hazardous waste chemicals must be labeled, and stored in the chemical storage cabinets on the short-term; and for disposal, must be located in the chemical disposal building for pick-up by the Waste Management company. Disposal is arranged by Ingenium Facilities Services.
1.6 Working with power tools
All staff working with power tools must be familiar with the safe operation of the equipment, and must wear protective gear as required by the Construction Safety Association of Ontario: eye protection, ear protection, safety footwear, and other equipment as required.
Staff shall not work with power tools when alone in the laboratory or workshop.
1.7 Accident reporting
All accidents or near misses, shall be reported, based on their severity; tothe supervisor, Ingenium Protection Services, and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) Forms are available on their website, and must be filled in and sent to the Manager, within 7 days of the accident. Minor accidents requiring resources from the first aid kit, should be recorded in the kit log book.
2. ARTIFACT-RELATED RISK PROCEDURES:
2.1 Physical and mechanical risk
2.1.1 Size: Large objects should be handled with appropriate lifting devices, and must be secured with safety straps and supports where necessary. Movement of large objects shall be carried out by staff working in teams: equipment operators and spotters required for safety of staff and artifacts.
2.1.2 Stored Energy: This can be present in examples of pressure such as high pressure hydraulics and steam, as well as pressurized tires. Stored energy is also present in spring mechanisms such as clocks, stem antennas, and aircraft arrestor hooks; and in vacuum tubes and cathode ray tubes. Familiarity with the technology of artifacts is necessary prior to any handling or treatment. If these risks have been previously identified, they should be labeled with a warning label.
Split rim wheels on large vehicles such as buses, trucks and tractors; have the potential to be extremely dangerous when the tires become degraded and flat. Conservation and Collection Services staff do not have the appropriate training required to work on these wheels, and therefore all split rim tires should be serviced and inflated by professional tire technicians.
The following is excerpted from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website, 2015.
What should I know when disassembling split rim wheels?
- Ensure that you are trained before working on a tire/rim assembly. Know, understand, and follow the proper safety procedures. Serious or fatal injuries can result if proper precautions are not followed.
- Obtain mechanical lifting and moving devices for tires and wheels.
- Follow manufacturers' assembly and disassembly procedures.
- Check tire/rim assembly for proper component seating prior to removing it from the vehicle.
- Stand to the side, out of the way of flying wheel parts, in case the assembly disassembles explosively.
- Always deflate the tire before removing wheel nuts on any multi-piece tires that are to be removed from their hubs.
- Deflate tires (both tires in a dual assembly) by first removing the valve core. Insert a wire in the valve stem to ensure that the stem is not blocked and that the tire is deflated completely before removing the rim/wheel from the axle.
Do not inflate any tire if:
- it has been driven under-inflated by 80 percent or less of its recommended pressure, or
- there is obvious or suspected damage to the tire or wheel components.
Such tires should always be deflated completely, removed from the vehicle, disassembled, and inspected. If the tire is in a dual assembly, check the air pressure in both tires with an air pressure gauge: an under-inflated tire may not otherwise be detected when the other tire is supporting the weight of the vehicle or trailer.This work to be done by a qualified tire mechanic or technician (we usually call Frisby Tire).
2.1.3 Explosives: These can be present in the form of safety flares, ammunition, firearms, explosives for fire extinguishers (squibs), ejector seats, tank jettison charges etc. Some are clearly marked, but many of these are hidden or poorly identified. Familiarity with the technology of artifacts is necessary prior to any handling or treatment. If these risks are identified, they shall be neutralized by authorized personnel prior to any intervention by staff. Military personnel are authorized to neutralize explosives in some aircraft applications, and other cases will be assessed individually to determine who should be contracted to handle the removal or neutralization. Ingenium Protection Services will arrange for disposal of explosive materials.
2.1.4 Cathode Ray tubes: Do not attempt to repair or access a CRT. These are glass vessels under vacuum. The screen area has thick glass, and the narrow neck area is much thinner. Handling must be done with great care, so that you do not break the fragile narrow neck. The vacuum tube in a CRT can implode if it is broken or punctured. Broken glass will be sprayed in all directions. Always wear safety glasses and PPE when handling CRTs. Always transport it in a shipping package, or installed in its intended artifact (computer or television receiver).
In addition, a charged CRT carries high voltage. You could electrocute yourself if you handle it incorrectly, and it retains a charge. Do not attempt to discharge a CRT. These areas of a CRT can present a shock hazard:
-anode cap and connector
-high voltage cable
-yoke assembly
-flyback transformer
-any exposed soldered connections
Primarily this is a mechanical hazard, but should the tube rupture, you could be exposed to toxic materials such as lead, cadmium barium and fluorescent powders.
2.2 Biological Risk
2.2.1 Animal waste: All handling or removal of animal waste shall be carried out by staff wearing appropriate safety equipment: protective clothing, gloves and masks designated for mould and bacteria. Waste material should be bagged and disposed of in exterior garbage containers. Contaminated surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected by Conservation personnel, using means appropriate for historic materials.
Anthrax has been identified, by the Centre for Disease Control, as a possible risk in horsehair historical objects prior to 1930s. The Smithsonian has identified First World War shaving brushes as a possible source of contamination; but Anthrax could potentially be present in horsehair stuffing of seats in automobiles and horse-drawn vehicles. The greatest risk is through contact with an open wound (hence higher risk for shaving brushes); but inhalation is also a possible source of contamination. Use PPE when handling old horse hair.
2.2.2 Mould: Mould is present throughout the collection, on a variety of organic materials, and sometimes non-organics. All handling and treatment of mouldy material must be carried out by staff wearing appropriate safety equipment: eye protection, gloves, masks designated for mould and bacteria. Disinfecting using ethanol vapour or solvent, shall be carried out by Conservation personnel only. Dry-vacuuming shall be carried out using an approved HEPA filter vacuum. These materials must be stored in a dry environment after treatment, and should be identified and monitored for re-activation of mould.
2.2.3 Bacteria: This can be present in old fuels, in organic waste products, and possibly in medical technology residues. Most bacteria has a short life-span , though some viruses can survive longer in a dormant state. Where there is any question of risk due to exposure to bacteria or virus, staff shall use all precautions with respect to protective equipment: gloves, goggles, masks. Disinfecting shall be carried out by Conservational staff, dependent on the historic material and its’ ability to withstand sterilization techniques. The two medically sound methods of disinfecting are: autoclaving and chlorine bleach. Not many historic materials can withstand either treatment.
2.2.4 Blood Products: These can be present in items associated with animal husbandry and food inspection/processing, equipment used in conducting animal experiments and veterinary medicine, and medical laboratory equipment and tools. Wherever a risk is identified, precautions shall be followed as described above, under “Bacteria”.
PPE for all biological risks; and note that either latex gloves, or Kimberly Clarke Safeskin nitrile gloves are a complete barrier to biological hazards. Nitrile or vinyl gloves are not sufficient.
2.3 Chemical and Mineral Risk
2.3.1 Arsenic: Arsenic is potentially present in pesticides, herbicides, taxidermy specimens and in some alloys. Pesticides and herbicides are addressed below, as are taxidermy specimens (section 2.3.9). Arsenic in alloys is not likely to pose a threat, as it is seldom separated into its elemental form in this context.
2.3.2. Asbestos: Asbestos can be present in a wide range of large equipment and technological artifacts. It has been used in locomotives, shipbuilding, auto and rail brake pads, aircraft, vehicles, and appliances. It is also present in respirator filters – notably First World War gas masks. This was a very current news topic in 2014, due to the First World War commemorative programs at schools, where gas masks were being used as props. Analysis in the U.K. showed that the majority of masks contained asbestos, and a large proportion of these contained crocidolite, a more dangerous form than chrysotile.
The Environmental Protection Act Procedure C-10 outlines procedures at sites containing Asbestos. Ingenium has an Asbestos Management Program in place for facilities, but this does not apply to the collection. Conservation staff is not trained or certified to handle large quantities of asbestos, so any removal or consolidation of significant quantities shall be carried out by a certified contractor who will comply with Federal Ministry of the Environment regulations. According to these regulations, waste asbestos “must be pre-wetted and kept in an appropriately wet condition…. during all phases of the operations to eliminate visible dust emissions”. Further, all asbestos waste must be properly packaged for disposal in accordance with the provisions of Section 17, Regulation 347 of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, 1994. Throughout the process, ambient air at the worksite must be monitored according to Ministry procedures, and measured against the primary criteria for ambient air of 0.04 asbestos fibres of length greater than 5μm per cubic centimeter of air. All results are to be forwarded to the Ministry Regional Director, with copies sent to Ingenium for inclusion in artifact documentation.
When small quantities of asbestos are found in artifacts they shall be handled only by Conservation staff. They can safely be contained or consolidated using all safety precautions with respect to personal protection: gloves, certified asbestos rated respirator, protective clothing where required. All surfaces should be damp-wiped and the rags sealed in bags, and labeled for disposal. When small quantities of asbestos are contained, or can be contained/consolidated in artifacts, the asbestos shall not be removed.
Disposable masks (P100) and disposable coveralls required for light inspection work; approved respirators for prolonged exposure.
The Government of Canada is proposing new regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999; for “Prohibition of Asbestos and Asbestos Products”. These new regulations are to prohibit the manufacture, use, import and export of asbestos and ACMs by 2018. As of January 2018, these are still draft regulations. These regulations are in addition to the Provincial regulations regarding disposal, under the Ontario Environmental Protection Act. The proposed regulations would include an exclusion for the “import, sale and use of asbestos and products containing asbestos for the purpose of display in a museum”. One of the requirements of the new Regulation is that any entity using or storing asbestos must have an asbestos management plan. Please refer to the Ingenium Asbestos management Plan for collections, 2010.
2.3.3 Batteries: These are widespread in collections of technological artifacts. All new acquisitions should be checked for batteries, and they must be removed and isolated prior to long term storage. Disposal of batteries shall be carried out only after assessment by Conservation personnel, and in consultation with the Curator.
Zinc-carbon batteries are stable and do not require intervention. Lead acid batteries containing sulfuric acid will require neutralization and stabilization, as will wet-cell batteries containing sodium hydroxide. These shall be treated by Conservation personnel using all precautions of personal protection for working with strong acids and bases. All chemical and hazardous waste will be contained, labeled, and disposed of through our approved waste management contractors.