At our object store in west London, we are working hard to study, record, digitise, pack and transport 300,000 objects to their new home at the National Collections Centre in Wiltshire.
Today our hazards team want to tell you what they do
Conversation
Hello, we are Katie, Ben, Emma, Sarah, Miles and Helen (who wasn't in when we took this) and we are Team Hazards.
Before our colleagues access an object in the store, we first study it for potential hazards.
1
9
23
Thankfully, most objects don’t contain a hazard and many of those that do are low risk. Any high risk objects are treated by specialist teams.
Today we wanted to share a few hazards that we look out for in the collection. You can see more on our blog
1
7
16
These Abrus seeds are often used for jewellery, as decoration or in percussion instruments.
Although the seed looks beautiful, the powder inside can be fatal if inhaled.
1
4
19
We use a checklist when looking for signs of asbestos in an object, using labels & our database to record when it may be present.
Before its effect on health was known, asbestos was used due to its affordability, insulating properties & resistance to fire and electricity.
1
1
8
This image shows an object with two asbestos gaskets (before treatment). Our specialist team will consolidate it so that no hazardous fibres can escape.
1
3
10
Mercury can be found in a number of different objects from clocks to walking sticks. The vapour from mercury can be toxic, but if it’s sealed and monitored it is safe.
This image shows a walking stick from our collection with a mercury thermometer inside it
1
7
14
This glass instruments has been used to produce x-rays. A common misconception is that it's radioactive, however this is only the case when it's turned on.
You find out more about this object here collection.sciencemuseum.org.uk/objects/co1347
2
9
23
Historically taxidermy was treated with a number of different substances, including mercury, arsenic and methyl bromide.
Today modern taxidermy is usually freeze dried, which is how this polydactyl cat (which was born with more than the usual number of toes) was preserved.
1
7
15
We have a vast array of chemistry-related items in the collection, from experimental to industrial. Some of these can be particularly toxic and require special packing by our team.
Here is an example of chemicals that have been packed securely, ready to move to our new store
1
9
21
Thanks for reading our tweets
If you would like to know more about the hazards we look out for you can read our blog
2
6
12