[Nhcoll-l] Cleaning mounted birds

[Dietrich, Elizabeth]

Yes, we developed cleaning techniques as well as clearance sampling protocols.  I'd have to dig up the write ups we did, but briefly the work needs to be done in a containment under negative pressure and staff need to be protected from inhalation, ingestion and absorption (through the skin) of arsenic.  Having a sampling protocol will help you determine whether the birds are clean enough afterwards for regular use (whatever that may be).

When retrieving the birds, staff must be protected with adequate PPE so that they don't get dust on themselves or their clothing or inhale dust.

Once the birds are in an adequate containment, there are two methods of cleaning.  Vacuuming with a HEPA filtered vacuum (fitted with screen over opening and using a "transformer" to reduce power) or using low levels of compressed air (15 psi or less) to gently blow the dust off.  If using the second method you will need to capture the dust with a HEPA vacuum or Negative Air Machine (NAM) with HEPA filtration.

Neither vacuuming nor blowing air will remove all arsenic or other particulate pesticides (mercury, DDT, strychnine, boric acid) from the birds so they will also need to be labeled as a potential hazard and handled accordingly, however it is possible to remove enough that the birds can be used for museum purposes.

If you would like more details, please contact me directly.

From: nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu [mailto:nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu] On Behalf Of Ann-Eliza Lewis
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2012 2:36 PM
To: nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu
Subject: [Nhcoll-l] Cleaning mounted birds

Hello,

We have an extensive collection of mounted birds (most with arsenic) that could use a good dusting. Does anyone have any recommendations for effective cleaning and suggestions for the best staff protection from the arsenic?

Many thanks!
Ann-Eliza


--
Ann-Eliza Lewis, PhD
Collection Manager
Joseph Moore Museum
Earlham College
lewisan at earlham.edu<mailto:lewisan at earlham.edu>
765-983-1320

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