Page 27 - E-MAGAZINE IMR
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Stabilizing the
Environment
Steps must be taken to
stabilize the environmental Assessing the Extent of
conditions affecting the the Damage to Records
records;
and Facilities:
Remove any water in the
area, using mops and Compile an accident report.
buckets as well as wet dry Consult available experts
vacuum machines, if about the most appropriate
available. treatments for damaged
records.
Use air conditioning
systems, fans and
dehumidifiers to clear the
air and keep it circulating.
The air should be Rehabilitating Storage
circulated in the
damaged area to Area and Building:
eliminate any stagnate
Clean and sterilize stack area
air pockets.
and shelving or other types of
Reduce the relative storage devices, before
humidity to below 65% returning records.
and the temperature to Ensure that any chemicals
below 18°C to minimize used to sterilize the stack
the threat that mould and areas are approved by the
mildew will develop. head of the emergency team.
Install thermometers or Repair or replace shelving
monitors to measure the units or other storage devices
temperature and relative Inspect shelving and all areas
humidity. Temperature in the facility to ensure they
and humidity should be are completely dry.
monitored constantly. Ensure that environmental
conditions, including air
Remove any carpets and
circulation, are stabilized in all
under padding if there
areas, particularly records
have been damaged by
storage areas.
water. These items should
Ensure also the physical
be stored where they can
structure of the building has
dry out.
been made safe and that the
Keep lights on at all times necessary support systems
until everything has been and services are fully
dried, to help dry the air operational.
and reduce the chance of Check that all repairs and
mould growth. services have been carried out
to a satisfactory level.
Ensure that all security
systems are functioning
properly.
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