Loading
In the world of heritage science, a formidable challenge looms large - the effective management of hazards within collections. This challenge has remained largely unaddressed in the sector, leaving artefacts and the people who care for them vulnerable and limiting access to collections. 'Empowering Safety' will tackle this pressing issue and catalyse the development of the UK heritage science community. Context: Heritage science in the UK has predominantly focused on archaeological and art-based collections while science, technology, engineering, and medicine collections have been largely overlooked, despite their pivotal role in shaping the modern world. These collections often contain hidden hazards, ranging from asbestos to radiation. Current hazard management training and advice within the sector is limited and not comprehensive. Health and Safety legislation has tightened since the prosecution of a national museum for exposing members of the public and one member of staff to radioactive exhibits in 2001, yet two decades on the sector has no systematic research programme to identify and share information about hazardous collections. This project meets the need to raise awareness and equip professionals with the tools to identify and manage hazards effectively, enabling safe access to collections. Aims and Objectives: The primary aim of this project is to develop a comprehensive hazardous materials library and dataset. This dataset will range from basic hazard information to scientific spectra, enabling identification of specific hazards. The project will maximise impact by sharing high-level hazard information on the Science Museum Group's website, ensuring that this critical knowledge is accessible to anyone seeking information on a type of object. It will ensure the heritage science sector has the capability and capacity to meet user demand and deliver world-class scientific excellence. Challenges Addressed: Awareness: many collections contain hazards that often go unnoticed due to a lack of training and awareness. This project will raise awareness, particularly benefiting regional and independent museums with limited resources and specialist staff. Safety: The project aims to ensure that collections, are managed safely, aligning with evolving knowledge of hazardous materials. Access: By implementing practical hazard management controls, the project has the potential to facilitate greater access to all collections. Research: This initiative encourages further research in the field of hazards, positioning them as essential components of the scientific and innovative process. Potential Applications and Benefits: Empowering Safety' will reach beyond the museum sector, providing invaluable information to anyone possessing historic objects enabling them to identify potential hazards. The project aims to support regulators and government in better managing hazards within the sector, contributing to improved policies and practices. By ensuring that heritage science equipment, expertise, resources, and research data are discoverable and accessible and capable of being leveraged by a range of partners, this project will foster collaboration and innovation. This ambitious project not only addresses the pressing challenge of hazard management within collections but also paves the way for increased safety, access, awareness, and research. SMG is committed to the broader cause of heritage science and the preservation of our rich cultural and scientific heritage. By unravelling the hazards hidden within our collections, we can safeguard the past and inspire a brighter future while ensuring that heritage science expands its thriving, accessible, and collaborative community.
<script type="text/javascript">
<!--
document.write('<div id="oa_widget"></div>');
document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src="https://www.openaire.eu/index.php?option=com_openaire&view=widget&format=raw&projectId=ukri________::56405d50c2e4d442b9bdd5a8fb527001&type=result"></script>');
-->
</script>