Conservation of radioactive objects

The Polar Museum holds a radioactive compass with radium paint on
the inside of the lid, and this radium paint is now beginning to
flake and contaminate the inner surfaces of the object.  The museum
is part of a University with a Safety Office which provides
excellent support in monitoring and managing our small radioactive
collection, so the compass is currently safely stored and not a
contamination risk for anything else.  However, we are now looking
at long term options for this object, including de-accessioning.
The University Safety Office have asked if removing the radium paint
and disposing of it safely would be an option that allows us to keep
the compass while removing the problem of the radiation.  It is
absolutely NOT something that can done by an in-house conservator so
would need a specialist able to remove the paint without damaging
the rest of the object.  I do not know if this is something that has
ever been done before.  Does anyone know of a (UK) contractor who
could remove the paint without damaging the compass, AND comply with
safety and legal requirements for working with and disposing of the
radium paint?

Sophie Rowe


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 30:6
                  Distributed: Saturday, June 25, 2016
                        Message Id: cdl-30-6-015
                                  ***