Asbestos fire screen

A custodian involved in the conservation of an Historic Country
House and its contents, without access to the Internet has asked for
help from contributors of the list.

Amongst the inventory of the Historic House is a painted fire screen
made from 95% white asbestos which has been painted on one side by
an artist of considerable importance.

At some time in the past long before the dangers of asbestos were
common knowledge the screen was apparently coated with Paraloid
(Acryloid) B72 on the painted side of the screen to consolidate the
painted surfaces.

According to the custodian it was this treatment that undoubtedly
saved the painted areas of the screen from further damage when the
House itself suffered significant decay.

Now the house and much of its contents are being conserved with
rooms being opened for public viewing, the fire screen is considered
to be of such importance that it must, ideally, be replaced after
treatment back in the room from which it came.

The Custodian asks whether the likes of Paraloid B72 in a suitable
solvent could be used to consolidate the entire Fire Screen and
whether such a coating would seal in the asbestos dust. The screen
though displayed would not be in reach of the viewing public once
treated.

Any fresh treatment of the screen would be conducted only special
contractors experienced in the handling of asbestos and under strict
accordance with procedures for the handling of same albeit under the
guidance of building conservators. Any guidance or thought would be
most appreciated.

Mark Vine
Conservation Resources
England


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 17:38
                 Distributed: Tuesday, October 28, 2003
                       Message Id: cdl-17-38-011
                                  ***