ZEMCH 2015 - International Conference Proceedings | Page 815

are specifically designed for paper conservation. These tables have special net and the paper is
soaked in the water above these nets, then water is sucked from the paper. Paper conservation is
not within the scope of the AHD at Dubai Municipality. There is a special governmental party in
charge of dealing with the historical papers and restoring them.
Machines and Measuring Devices Used:
For measuring the amount of acid in the materials, the normal PH meters and papers are used. In
the mechanical conservation process; brushes, cutters and drills are used. For the chemical conservation process, fume cabinet is essential. It has special machines and filters as well as exhausts
for removing the smoke and air particles and gases released during chemical reactions while
preparing chemicals and mixing acid solutions. Other used devices include microscopes and the
laboratory items, which are used in diffe rent fields.
Environmental Conditions:
In laboratories while working on the objects, the environment is the same as the laboratory conditions. However, for storing and displaying the conditions are specified and customized for each
object. The following table (Table 2) shows the environmental conditions set for each category in
Dubai Municipality; however, as mentioned earlier, each object should be studied and examined,
and based on the evaluation; the specific conditions are specified for each object.
Table 2: The environmental conditions set for each category in Dubai Municipality
Material

Temperature
(°C)

RH
(%)

Light level
(Lux)

Metal

20 (±2)

below 30

300

Organic Paper

20 (±2)

45 - 55

Max 50

Artwork

20 (±2)

50 - 55

Depends on the material
used

UV level controlled, LED
light

Overall, since the organic material is affected quickly, they should be in more controlled environment. Inorganic materials resist conditions but the metals should be away from humidity as
much as possible to avoid corrosion. Papers and textiles need higher humidity level. In general,
almost all have same temperature levels, lighting levels and RH levels which vary among different
materials. With regard to rubber and plastic materials, they require the least amount of humidity
(RH 15%).
In Dubai Municipality, usually when storing the items for checking the change in humidity, silica
gel is used. The gel is placed next to the item and in case of change in humidity level, the gel color
changes as well.
Safety Instructions Adopted and Followed:
While working with the items, the conservators are required to follow all the safety rules related
to each object and material. They are required to wear gloves, lab coats, goggles and masks with
filters. Working with different materials requires special filters for; chemicals, dust and some filters
are specified for working with both chemicals and dust. Guides and standards are available for
the staff on how to use each material and the required conditions. Guidelines for dangerous tools
and machines should be referred to continuously as well. The laboratories are equipped with all
related safety systems and firefighting, such as emergency shower, fire extinguisher and so on.

A post occupancy evaluation of the uae museum indoor environments

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