Air handling systems

The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries are about to have the air
handing system in the Central Library cleaned. This will involve six
floors (each with it's own airhandling system).  Throughout the building
there is a mix of bookstacks, microform and media collections, offices,
computer terminals and workstations, etc.

The bid document was prepared by the UTA Physical Plant Department and
calls for, among other things

1. removal of dirt, dust, lint and other combustibles by pneumatic
vacuum process and/or washing with a non-toxic detergent, scraping from
the interior surfaces of outside air intake ducts, supply and return air
ducts, plenum chambers, filter racks, heating and cooling coils, air
grills, diffusers.....

2. application of a bactericide and fungicide product which shall
effectively deter accumulation of mold, mildew and disease causing
bacteria.  The product used must meet EPA regulation #6768-8.

3. chemically clean and power wash all coils, dampers and fan units.

I am concerned about the need for any special protection to be given to
the bookstacks and other areas housing collections and materials in
process.  We have been told that no special measures need be taken, but
I wonder to what extent that is good advice.  I would like to hear from
colleagues who have gone through a similar cleaning or others who have
advice to give.

Jim Wellvang / Preservation Department
University of Texas at Arlington Libraries
P.O.Box 19497 / Arlington, TX  76019-0497
817/273-3000  / wellvang [at] library__uta__edu

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 5:44
                  Distributed: Tuesday, March 17, 1992
                        Message Id: cdl-5-44-005
                                  ***