About the session 

Date: 11 March 2025 

Time: 10:00-12:00 

Format: Via Zoom

The session will look at the most common problems of hazardous objects in museum collections, from arsenic in taxidermy to radiation in mineral collections and help attendees understand the practical steps they can take. The legal requirements for museums to keep people safe will be referenced and attendees will be able to discuss concerns that they have about their collections. Methods of identifying potential hazards, how to start the process of creating a Risk Register and ways to get further help and support will be discussed.

Who should attend? 

This session is suitable for anyone (paid or volunteer) working with a museum collection who wants to know what hazards can be present in the collection, how to identify them and the first steps to take to make the collection safe for visitors and those working in the museum. No previous knowledge or experience of collection hazards is needed.

What will you learn? 

Attendees will learn:

• What kind of hazards are commonly found in collections
• How to use look for and identify the most common hazards
• Ways to protect staff and visitors from hazardous objects
• How to create a Risk Register for their collection
• What to do if they find a mould outbreak in the museum
• Useful resources

How does this meet the Accreditation standard?  

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About the trainer 

Helena Jaeschke is an accredited conservator with a degree in archaeological conservation and more than 40 years’ experience working with museums and collections in the UK and overseas. She supports museums across the southwest area with all aspects of caring for their collections and sustainability.