[NHCOLL-L:4043] RE: digest 1727 picric acid & diorama cleaning

[Makos, Kathryn]

Here's a digest reply to a digest post!

1. RE: opening picric acid storage containers: DON'T! DO THIS BY
YOURSELF (especially if you suspect crystallization and/or if the
containers have been stored untouched for eons).  Call your local haz
mat folks (i.e., public fire service, or haz waste removal contractor if
you have one) and explain that you want these safely opened not
necessary destroyed (as most will just want to call the bomb squad and
open them in controlled conditions ie detonate them).  Let the experts
assess the risk levels...it may not be as bad as you think...but don't
undertake that risk by yourself. Let them come up with a safe way to
open the containers and retrieve the specimens.  They also will be able
to tell you how to safely rinse the residue and then whether any
residual picric is going to pose a problem.  Others on NHCOLL may share
success stories on techniques and that's excellent...but again, don't
repeat by yourself...take those examples to the local haz mat experts
and see if they can apply them to your situation.

2. RE: Cleaning Dioramas:  you don't say how old the dioramas are but be
sure to determine whether the diorama materials (scenery, base plaster,
mounts, plants, etc. may have been treated with any materials that could
have left a residue (heavy metals, etc)...then you'll most likely need a
HEPA vacuum cleaner rather than a regular one and some safe work plan
involving personal protective equipment and methods for disposing of the
cleaning waste.

Kathryn A. Makos, MPH CIH 
Industrial Hygienist
 
Smithsonian Institution
Office of Safety, Health & Environmental Management
600 Maryland Ave, SW, Suite 7106
MRC 514 PO Box 37012
Washington DC 20013-7012
 
T: 202-633-2670
F: 202-633-2683
makosk at si.edu