Storage of photographic materials

Helen Skuse <helen.skuse [at] ngv__vic__gov__au> writes

>... Above the ceiling the
>cooling unit, and presumably the dehumidifying unit, are to be
>installed.

The cooling and dehumidifying unit are one, a heating coil may well
be a part of the system as well. My experience with cold storage
vaults leads me to advise you to:

    1.  Write a very good contract, and choose a very experienced
        contractor, because this is a difficult humidity level to
        maintain at that temperature.

    2.  Do a little contingency planning, and be certain that a
        leak, or any failure of the cooling unit will not result in
        damage to your collection. (I've seen units covered with
        melting ice, their still working fans spraying water all
        around.) Be sure to provide an adequate drip pan (and drain
        system) beneath the unit, just in case.

    3.  Monitor the humidity and temperature levels with a wet bulb
        hygrometer or some other very sensitive device on a regular
        basis, keeping an easy to read log that can be compared year
        to year. Seasonal variations become very clear, and
        mechanical problems are easily nipped in the bud.

Jerry Shiner
Keepsafe Systems &
Forever Yours Bridal Gown Preservation
Toronto, Ontario

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:58
                 Distributed: Friday, January 15, 1999
                       Message Id: cdl-12-58-001
                                  ***