In the past issues dedicated to the topic, we have seen what the fundamental objectives are for the creation of a Priority List and the criteria with which the works to be included in it can be selected.
To efficiently plan the procedures for managing an emergency on a collection, however, it is insufficient to indicate a simple list of the works to be secured.
It is necessary to accompany this list with a series of fundamental information for their correct saving.
The information to include in a Priority List
Once the artworks to be included in the Priority List have been selected, each artefact must be accompanied by a sheet which will define some basic characteristics and will be fundamental for proceeding with the safety operations.
A crucial issue is that, in the event of an emergency, it is possible that the team responsible for securing the collection is not appropriately trained in the handling and packaging of works of art. For this reason, it is very important to put everyone in a position to be able to act correctly on the artwork by providing all the necessary information on the sheet accompanying each work.
In addition to the basic information of the work, such as author, title, and year, it is advisable to include information regarding its size, weight and material. This data may seem superfluous but it is really of fundamental importance to have a first rough idea of how many people will be needed for the movement, whether it will be necessary to use equipment to dismantle the objects and what type of vulnerability characterizes the material that composes them.
It is always a good idea to attach a photograph of the artwork to this information as it is found in the storage or exhibition area. If, for example, the work was packaged in a crate inside the warehouse, it would be very important to attach a photograph of the packaging to allow rapid recognition of the work. In fact, the emergency team must be put in a position to immediately recognize priority works. For this reason, it is also advisable to mark objects with stickers, signs, signs and coloured tags.
All information regarding the best procedures for its handling and packaging must also be included in the sheet accompanying the work, as well as the materials necessary for these procedures, such as cotton gloves, sheets of non-woven fabric, and other technical equipment. Basic.
Finally, to ensure correct tracking of the work during evacuation operations, it would be a good idea to indicate on the form the temporary deposit that has been identified for its placement in the event of an emergency.
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This text has been extracted from the “Guide for drafting a risk analysis and a Safety and Emergency Plan” created by Mazzini Lab. You can receive the complete guide by filling out the form below.
