[Nhcoll-l] Fire risks and whale skeletons

[Hawks, Catharine]

Hi Nikolaj

Based on our experience in forensic anthropology with cremated human remains and burned archaeological bone, I think that it is very safe to say that bone, even when it contains fats and oils, does not readily combust.  It is much more likely that fills or replacement parts made with many modern materials are apt to pose a greater fire risk than the whalebone itself, even when fats/oils are present.  Our Smithsonian fire protection engineers have been far more concerned about modeling materials used in casts and/or to fabricate exhibit components than with any of the skeletons of all kinds that are on display in our exhibits. It is not the skeletons that are a concern, unless of course, they are blocking access to fire detection or suppression equipment, in which case they require repositioning.

Cathy
_______________________________
Catharine Hawks
Conservator
Collections Program
MRC 170 Rm M85-J
National Museum of Natural History
10th Street & Constitution Ave NW
Washington DC 20560
w 202.633.0835 or 4041  c 703 200 4370
hawksc at si.edu<mailto:hawksc at si.edu>

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
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From: Nhcoll-l <nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu> On Behalf Of Nikolaj Scharff
Sent: Friday, March 01, 2019 6:39 AM
To: nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu
Subject: [Nhcoll-l] Fire risks and whale skeletons

The Natural History Museum of Denmark is planning a new exhibit with whale skeletons.
The plan is to mount them in a new hall build for the purpose,  but there are a number of issues with climate and light. Another new issue is fire-risks associated with the skeletons. The fire authority of Copenhagen who will inspect and approve the building ask whether whale skeletons can burn and whether they should be considered a fire risk at the same level as other  installations in the room - like cabinets and furniture. I am sure that skeletons can burn and remaining oil in the skeleton will probably add to the burning factor, but does anybody know any webpage or literature where I can find more information about this?

Thanks and best wishes
Nikolaj
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Nikolaj Scharff
Head of Collections

Natural History Museum of Denmark
Zoological Museum, University of Copenhagen
Universitetsparken 15, DK-2100 Copenhagen
DENMARK

E-mail: nscharff at snm.ku.dk<mailto:nscharff at snm.ku.dk>
Webpage: http://snm.ku.dk/people/nscharff
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