OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE AND CURTILAGE HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2008–2013

9. Housekeeping Permitted Action Schedule
Part C – Implementation Tools
122 Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2008–2013
2 WHAT THIS SCHEDULE COVERS
2.1Actions/Activities that are covered by this schedule
This Schedule covers the following tasks:
■■moving heritage items
■■handling heritage items (furniture, artefacts, etc)
■■cleaning heritage items
■■cleaning heritage elements of the building.
It should be read in conjunction with Maintenance Permitted Action Schedule, for
details on tasks that are covered under routine maintenance provisions.
2.2 Who is affected by this schedule
This Schedule mainly affects, but is not limited to, the activities and works associated with:
■■all OPH staff, contractors and tenants.
3 DEFINITIONS
Housekeeping is maintenance through cleaning and preventative conservation.
Handling is physically moving objects over both very short and longer distances.
4 HANDLING THE COLLECTION
The safety of a movable item is dependent on the care taken during handling. Common sense, inspection
of the item, planning and respect for the item will assist in avoiding physical damage. The following
step-by-step approach should be adopted to minimise the risk of damage during handling.
4.1 SAFE HANDLING RULES
■■Always avoid haste in handling any heritage item.
■■Regard every heritage item as an irreplaceable one.
■■In the movement of any item, the ultimate goal is that no shock or vibration is transmitted to the item.
4.2 WHY MOVE?
■■Only move items with permission from the OPH Heritage staff as they have information
regarding the provenance, conservation requirements and constraints governing items.
■■Assess the need for moving the item- is moving essential? Only move or handle an item
when you are totally confident that no damage or deterioration will result.
■■All moves should be supervised by a member of Old Parliament House’s staff,
who has been trained in appropriate handling techniques.
■■If something does go wrong, report the damage to the appropriate person.
Reporting accidents will help prevent them from occurring again.
4.3 PLAN THE MOVE
■■Look carefully at each item before you handle it. Make sure you note its weak spots or any areas of damage.
■■Eliminate unnecessary movement of items. Be organised - know where you are going to put each
item before picking it up. The fewer movements you make, the lower the risk of damage.
■■When items are to be carried any distance more than a few metres,
always use a trolley (see notes on using trolleys below).
■■Tie doors open with cotton tape (not abrasive ropes) before moving
a piece of furniture to prevent damage in transit.
■■Do not leave items in vulnerable locations such as direct sunlight, outdoors,
or in heavily trafficked areas, even for short periods of time.