Message #136372

[Bianca]

Facility






Conserving material recovered from a marine environment begins as a messy process that eventually yields an artifact requiring a fairly pristine environment for final analysis and storage. It is necessary to compartmentalize the laboratory to avoid contamination of clean areas. At least six components are required: a wet-storage and large-artifact electrolysis facility, a workshop, a cleaning room, a finishing room, an analysis room, and a finished artifact storage area. All areas must include security and fire detection systems.



1. A 3,000-square-foot well ventilated pavilion should be adequate for wet storage of artifacts, electrolytic reduction of the cannons and anchors, and treatment of large structural remains. Conducting electrolysis outdoors eliminates many of the problems associated with hydrogen evolution. The pavilion should be provided with lighting and electrical outlets, power supplies for electrolysis, potable and deionized water outlets, a system of drains to empty tanks, an overhead chain hoist to lift heavy objects, and variously sized vats and storage bins.
2. A workshop (approximately 750 square feet) can provide space for repairs and fabrication of lab equipment. Portable tools and carts can be stored, while larger items such as a drill press, band saw, vice and anvil, and welding equipment can be permanently installed. The air compressor should be enclosed in its own room to reduce noise within this area. Electrical outlets (120- and 240-volt) and air drops should be provided. This area will not require heating or air conditioning, but forced ventilation should be installed.

3. Wet artifacts stored outdoors will begin the conservation process in the cleaning room, which should be approximately 1,250 square feet. The ability to hose down the floor will be essential, but containment of chemical spills is also a factor. Laboratory sinks and faucets should be installed, along with acid- and solvent-resistant counter tops. A substantial fume hood is needed, capable of venting gasses from small electrolysis and acid vats. A chemical storage cabinet should be provided in this area for acids and caustic materials, and air drops and power outlets should be conveniently installed throughout the room. A sandblasting cabinet with dust collectors will also be placed in this room. The x-ray room and film-processing station should be located in this area. A water deionizer and associated storage tanks should be installed with connections to this room, as well as to the large artifact-electrolysis area outdoors. A water supply and 240-volt power supply should be installed for the water still, and an area should be set aside for grinding concretions, water screening, and panning sediments. Several potable water hose outlets should be placed throughout the room. This room should be environmentally controlled for the comfort of the workers.

4. The finishing room, approximately 1,250 square feet, will be a semiclean, environmentally controlled area. Electrical outlets and air-drops should be abundantly provided throughout this area. Though it is not essential for this area to be hosed down, the containment of chemical spills must be considered. This room should be provided with an explosion-proof exhaust hood for handling solvent fumes. Flammable liquid and corrosive storage cabinets must be provided. A walled-off area of about 250 square feet would be adequate for the installation of a freeze dryer, conventional freezer, refrigerator, and a range. A paint booth, about 80 square feet, with laminar airflow ventilation and explosion-proof lighting, should also be installed.



5. The analysis room, approximately 580 square feet, should be environmentally controlled and completely separated from the finishing room to avoid contamination of artifacts, computers, and analytical equipment. This is an ideal place for the installation of a darkroom and artifact record storage, and should include a photographic copy stand, drafting table, microscopes, scales, and other tools required to fully document and record all stages of an artifact's preservation. This room should adjoin the storage area for easy access to artifacts.

6. The 1,000-square-foot finished artifact storage area should be provided with adjustable acid free shelving to accommodate items of various sizes. This room must be temperature and humidity controlled. Since metal artifacts require lower relative humidity levels than wooden and organic artifacts, some compartmentalization within the storage room will be required. The entrance to this room should be designed to limit contamination of the storage environment. Space should also be provided for dehumidifiers, desiccants, and environmentally controlling and monitoring devices.



Male and female lavatory facilities will be necessary, and handicap access in accordance with ADA regulations should be addressed. Most importantly, safety equipment must be provided in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the American Association of Museums regulations. Since artifact conservation involves the use of strong acids, alkalies, and flammable solvents, facilities must be readily available to handle accidents involving those materials. Offices, public viewing areas, and rest room facilities will require an additional 1,200 square feet of space.