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This page contains resources produced and published by the AIC's Health & Safety Network. For general information and resources on health and safety in collections care see the Health & Safety Page
Health & Safety Network Conservation Wiki
Copyright: 2024. The Health & Safety Wiki pages are a publication of the Health & Safety Network of the American Institute for Conservation.
Some of the information included on this wiki may be out of date, particularly with regard to toxicological data and regulatory standards. Also, because new information on safety issues is continually published, resources outside of AIC should be consulted for more specific information.
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About the Network[edit | edit source]
The Health & Safety Network provides educational and technical information to the AIC membership to increase knowledge of safety hazards and general health issues related to the conservation profession. It provides information through lectures, workshops, displays, AIC's publications, AIC's website, and other electronic and print media. It also addresses health and safety issues of concern to the AIC membership by maintaining current information through research, by collaboration with health and safety professionals and with other health and safety organizations, and, periodically, by statistically valid surveys, the results of which will facilitate establishing priorities.
Publications & Activities[edit | edit source]
Disclaimer: Articles and guides are information purposes only. Some of the information may be out of date, particularly with regard to toxicological data and regulatory standards. More recent publications may include more up to date information, but there has been no attempt by the Committee to review and update previously published articles or to exhaustively catalog current legal requirements and standards applicable to the profession.
When using references from the publications listed, please use the most recently published articles on any particular topic. Also, because new information on safety issues is continually published, resources outside of AIC should be consulted for more specific information on toxicological data and regulatory standards. Many of the references listed in the links below as well as the Health and Safety Technical Resources for the Conservator guide can serve as resources for this type of information.
Respirator Fit Testing[edit | edit source]
Whether you are using hazardous chemicals in your laboratory or working with mold-infested artifacts after a flood, you need to be sure you are protected with a properly fitting respirator. Do the elastic straps still pull tightly? Do you need a new type or size due to facial changes resulting from weight gain or loss or surgery? Are you using the right kind of protection for your hazard?
OSHA requires individuals be fit tested on an ANNUAL basis to assess the condition of both the respirator and the user. If you perform work that requires the use of a respirator your employer MUST provide the appropriate respiratory protection, medical evaluation, training, information, and fit testing; even disposable dust masks are considered by OSHA to be respirators requiring proper fit testing.
It is important to be proactive in your own health and safety and to follow OSHA recommendations and protocols, even if you are your only employee.
Fit Testing at the Annual Meeting[edit | edit source]
The AIC Fit Test Program is specifically designed for conservators, particularly those who are self-employed or who do not have a respiratory protection program provided through their employer. However, it is open to all interested parties.
This workshop is in accordance with the U.S. OSHA Standard (29CFR1910.134 - Respiratory Protection).
Fit test appointments for the AIC 51st Annual Meeting will be on Thursday May 23, 2024, from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The individual appointment provides an opportunity for participants to ask specific questions of the industrial hygienists, and to examine and/or try on various half-mask, air-purifying respirators from the Network’s selection of samples. Please note that you MUST bring your personal respirator for the fit test.
For more information see the 2024 Annual Meeting Workshop sign-up page.
If you have already registered for a fit test for 2024, you will receive an email from AIC with instructions and links to the required lecture, quiz, and forms.
If you have questions, please email Health-Safety@culturalheritage.org.
- This form must be signed by a healthcare provider and returned to the fit test organizers before the test can be administered. It allows a physician or other licensed healthcare professional to indicate whether you are medically cleared to safely wear a respirator in the course of your work without disclosing confidential medical information. To be completed after medical evaluation to include review of the OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire (Mandatory) Appendix C of 29 CFR 1910.134 included in the OSHA Respirator Medical Evaluation Questionnaire Infosheet (below).
OHS Health and Safety Services Inc. offers phone or online Respirator Medical Exam for our members at a rate of $25. Members can reference the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) to receive the discounted rate. https://www.ohsinc.com/ohs-services/respirator-medical-exam-certification/
- This OSHA infosheet includes the questionnaire to be completed with a healthcare provider to determine whether you can safely wear a respirator for your tasks. Your healthcare provider can then complete AIC's Respirator Medical Clearance Approval Form (above) to be turned in prior to fit testing.
- Health & Safety Committee document outlining use and selection of FFP respirators (commonly known as disposable dust masks)
GHS Labeling Templates[edit | edit source]
Network Designed Templates[edit | edit source]
Labels that are compliant with the Globally Harmonized System for Hazard Communication and will fit small, secondary containers.
Downloads are Word Templates (.doc format) for 1" x 2 3/8" labels (30/sheet).
Note: Some adjustment of margins may be needed for your printer
These labels may need be edited to reflect the safety information provided by the manufacturer of your specific chemical
Commercially Available Labels[edit | edit source]
- MySafetyLabels.com write-on secondary labels
- Avery GHS label software and templates
Avery makes it easy to create and print your own chemical labels with UltraDuty Labels, FREE GHS software and templates, and your existing desktop printer. Or let Avery WePrint, Avery's professional printing service, print your labels for you.
Handouts, Charts, Brochures and Factsheets[edit | edit source]
- Start Here! Introductory Health & Safety Resources(2 pages)
Introductory health and safety resources and laboratory safety training tip sheet. - Chemical Protective Glove Selection Chart(1 page)
Chart outlining appropriate materials to be used with specific chemicals. One 8 1/2" x 14" page. - Chemical Protective Glove Selection Chart(2 page)
Chart outlining appropriate materials to be used with specific chemicals. Two 8 1/2" x 11" pages. - First Aid Kit
Brochure containing information on first aid supplies and procedures. (English) - First Aid Kit (Spanish)
Brochure containing information on first aid supplies and procedures. (Spanish) - Sample Construction Site Safety Orientation Fact Sheet
List of items that are meant for review during the orientation process before anyone is allowed on the construction site. - Stand Up and Stretch!
Guide with office-friendly ergonomic stretches designed specifically for conservators. - Using Filtering Facepiece (FFP) Respirators:
Health & Safety Network document outlining use and selection of FFP respirators (commonly known as disposable dust masks) - Pigment Toxicity Chart: (6 pages)
This chart is published as part of the Pigment Health and Safety Quick Guide (AIC News, November 2017) and is intended to assist conservators in assessing the risks associated with common dry pigments. It should be used in conjunction with other resources, including the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for each material. References consulted for this chart and indicated at the end of each entry have been published separately. See Table 2: Hazards of Metals and Metal Compounds for health hazards related specifically to the metal and metal compounds found in pigments. - Risk Management Plan for Hazardous Materials Checklist
This checklist can serve as a foundation for creating a risk management plan for hazardous materials within collections. While it is specific to pesticide contaminated objects, it can be used as a general outline for other hazardous collection materials.
Health & Safety Guides[edit | edit source]
Beginning in 1998, the Health & Safety Network (formerly the Health & Safety Committee) prepared or commissioned special pull-out sections for AIC News. Those guides have been added to the wiki for commenting by site visitors and updates by the Health & Safety Network.
List of Guides in AIC News
UPDATED! Health and Safety in Emergency Response
UPDATED! A Conservator's Guide to Respiratory Protection
UPDATED! Health and Safety Technical Resources for the Conservator
AIC News Articles[edit | edit source]
Network Officers and members, along with consulting safety and healthcare professionals, write brief articles and features that are published in each issue of AIC News on health and safety topics relevant to the conservation community.
List of Articles Published in AIC News
AIC News PPE Series[edit | edit source]
List of PPE Articles Published in AIC News
Health and Safety Blogs on Conservators Converse[edit | edit source]
Committee members and allied professionals periodically write blog posts on behalf of the Committee to make announcements and update the membership on timely health and safety issues. Topical posts are listed below:
- Improved Respirator Fit Testing at the Annual Meeting (January 17, 2017)
- Health and Safety Survey on Portable Fume Extractors (October 14, 2016)
- Congress Approves Update of Toxic Substance Control Act (June 17, 2016)
- Are Your Chemicals Labeled Correctly? (February 11, 2016)
Additional blog posts[edit | edit source]
Health and safety posts written by the AIC membership:
- Annual Meeting Session Summary: Not a Known Carcinogen: Health and Safety Considerations for New and Innovative Treatments (June 2017)
- Annual Meeting Session Summary: The How and Why of Reusing Earth Magnets (May 2016)
- Easy Yoga for Conservators (October 2015)
- Annual Meeting Session Summary: Conscientious Conservation: The application of Green Chemistry Principles to Sustainable Conservation Practice (June 2015)
- Annual Meeting Session Summary: Studio Design Challenges: Creating a Safe and Practical Space (May 2015)
- Annual Meeting Session Summary: Sustainability for the Conservator: Mold Remediation (August 2014)
- Annual Meeting Workshop Summary: Responding to Mold Outbreaks after a Disaster (August 2014)
- Annual Meeting Session Summary: Painted Totem Poles at the American Museum of Natural History: Treatment Challenges and Solutions (July 2014)
- Annual Meeting Session Summary: Greening your Conservation Practice (June 2014)
- Annual Meeting Session Summary: Medical Evaluation for Museum and Collection Care Professionals (June 2014)
- Annual Meeting Session Summary: Solvents, Scents and Sensibility: Swapping Solvent Substitution Strategies (June 2014)
- Annual Meeting Session Summary: Unintended Consequences of Persistent Residual Vapor Phase Chemicals with Collection Storage (June 2014)
- Annual Meeting Workshop Summary: Respirator Fit Test Lecture and Respirator Fit Testing (June 2014)
- Annual Meeting Tour Summary: Indiana Historical Society (June 2013)
- Review of Health & Safety for Museum Professionals Appears in January Issue of JOEM (January 2012)
Network Member Presentations and Publications[edit | edit source]
AIC Annual Meeting[edit | edit source]
- Asbestos Safety and Current Practices in Cultural Properties
- Understanding Asbestos in a Museum Environment Margaret Skimina, Associate Director for Environmental Health, Safety, and Fire Protection, Art Institute of Chicago and Peter Dennis, Vice President of Operations, Environmental Analysis, Inc. (Download Presentation)
- Asbestos Containing Materials and Cultural Heritage Collections Lisa Goldberg, Conservator, Private Practice
- Asbestos in Collections Lisa Young, Conservator, National Air & Space Museum
- Not a Known Carcinogen: Health and Safety Considerations of New and Innovative Treatments
- Kerith Koss Schrager, Julie Sobelman and Anne Kingery-Schwartz, General Concurrent Session, Treatment: Don't Go it Alone, AIC 45th Annual Meeting, May 30, 2017. (Read a Summary) (Download Postprints)
- Health & Safety in Emergency Response Lunchtime Lecture, AIC 44th Annual Meeting, May 16, 2016
- Pierre Barbarie, Director-Campus Public Safety, McGill University; Barbara Lawson, Curator of World Cultures, Redpath Museum of McGill University; Vicki Lee, AIC National Heritage Responder, Julie Sobelman, Certified Industrial Hygienist
- Health & Safety/Conservators in Private Practice Lunchtime Lecture, AIC 43rd Annual Meeting, May 14 - 16, 2015
- Studio Design Challenges: Creating a Safe and Practical Space, Jeff Hirsch, William Jarema, Dan Klein and Roger Rudy (EwingCole) (Download the Presentation)
- Health & Safety Session: Sustaining the Conservator, AIC 42nd Annual Meeting, May 28 - 31, 2014
- Controlling Hazardous Collection Materials, Kerith Koss Schrager, Anne Kingery-Schwartz and Kathryn Makos (Download the Presentation)
- Unintended Consequences of Persistent Residual Vapor-Phase Chemicals within Collection Storage,Catharine Hawks and Kathryn Makos (Read a Summary)(Download the Presentation)
- Pesticide Residues and Staff Protection Ruth Norton, Conservator, Field Museum (Download Presentation)
- Medical Evaluations for Museum and Collection Care Professionals Dr. David Hinkamp, MD (Download the Presentation)
- Ergonomics in Collections Care Dr. David Hinkamp, MD (Download the Presentation)
- Mold Remediation: Lessons from Super Storm Sandy Chris Stavroudis, Conservator (Download Presentation)
- Swapping: Solvent Substitution Strategies, Part 1 Chris Stavroudis, Conservator (Download Presentation)
- Swapping: Solvent Substitution Strategies, Part 2 Chris Stavroudis, Conservator (Download Presentation)
Other Network Member Presentations & Publications[edit | edit source]
- Investigation of Residual Contamination Inside Storage Cabinets: Collection Care Benefits from an Industrial Hygiene Study
- Rebecca A. Kaczkowski , Kathryn A. Makos , Catharine Hawks & Michael Hunt (2017): Investigation of Residual Contamination Inside Storage Cabinets: Collection Care Benefits from an Industrial Hygiene Study, Journal of the American Institute for Conservation, DOI: 10.1080/01971360.2017.1326242. (View paper)
- Connecting to Collections Care (C2CC)
- Arsenic and Old Lace: Controlling Hazardous Collection Materials (Webinar) Presented by Kerith Koss Schrager, Kathy Makos and Anne-Kingery Schwartz. May 3, 2016 (Watch Presentation)
- MuseumPests 2014 Colonial Williamsburg, VA, March 2010
- Conservation-Restoration and Health/Security of people and the environment Draguignan-Figanières (Provence/France) June 2013
- The AIC Health and Safety Committee: Health and Safety Initiatives and the American ConservatorPresented by Joanne Klaar Walker (Summary published in AIC News)
Membership Surveys[edit | edit source]
- Health and Safety in Private Conservation Studios (March 2015)
- Respirator Fit Test Survey (2016)
- Portable Fume Extractor Survey (November 2016)
- Conservator Access and Interpretation of Health & Safety Information (May 2017 and November 2021)
- To provide better information to the AIC membership on health and safety concerns, the AIC Health & Safety Committee conducted a survey to research how conservators obtain health and safety information, and how that knowledge informs their treatment decisions. Respondents were instructed to answer as they actually practice (not as they thought they should). The preliminary results from 241 respondents are included. Additional analysis will be presented in future publications.
Contribute to the Health & Safety Wiki[edit | edit source]
Please read the Getting Started section on the AIC wiki Main Page to become a wiki contributor and understand the AIC-CC User Guidelines.
Health & Safety Wiki Instructions and Basic Template
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