OLD PARLIAMENT HOUSE AND CURTILAGE HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN 2008–2013

9. Caterers Permitted Action Schedule
Part C – Implementation Tools
Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2008–2013
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8.10 PROVISION OF FOOD
This impact comes about due to uncontrolled Action by visitors and through poor planning of serving and
delivery of food, damage is usually accidental. It is important to clean up and report spills and damage as soon
as possible. See Section 12: Reporting damage in this schedule and Caterers Permitted Action Schedule.
Issue
Physical damage caused by soiling as a result of spillage of food
Physical damage caused by serving equipment resting or scraping on heritage fabric
Fabric most at risk
Textiles, polished timber, paper, leather
Likely form of damage Staining, scratches, dents
Permitted Actions
Clean up of spills in accordance with
Catering Permitted Action Schedule
Not Permitted Actions
Catering in any heritage area not
specifically allocated as a dining area
Resting serving plates on heritage fabric
9 CLEANING
Cleaning is not a complicated or elaborate procedure that needs to be carried out by museum professionals. It is a
straightforward, commonsense exercise that is an essential part of protecting the building fabric and
furniture. Cleaning is to be conducted by contractors on a daily basis with specific reference to the Housekeeping
Permitted Action Schedule.
The choice of cleaning materials, agents and techniques is very important as irreversible damage can result
from the use of inappropriate commercial products on historical material. There are many different materials and
surface finishes throughout the key heritage areas of Old Parliament House. All these different materials require
different cleaning techniques. No method or product other than those listed should be used without consultation
with OPH Heritage Section, who can be contacted on (02) 6270 8189.
9.1 FLOORING: PARQUETRY, RUBBER AND CARPET
■■Removing loose dirt and grit
■■Full vacuum of entire area
■■Use a low suction vacuum cleaner to work gently and systematically over the whole area.
■■Furniture should be protected from knocks from the vacuum by placing a piece
of thick felt around the edges of the vacuum head and body.
■■Care must be taken with the rubber cords on vacuum cleaners, as they tend to catch items,
scuffing and abrading the surface. The use of backpack vacuums is preferred.
9.2 SPONGING UP OF SPILLS
■■Pertains to spills on wood and rubber floors, carpeted areas and furniture.
■■All spills must be cleaned up immediately to avoid damage.
■■Excess liquid should be removed using a clean sponge and cotton cloths.
■■On wood and rubber floors the area should be damp mopped.
■■On carpet a damp clean sponge should be dabbed on the surface until it is clean.
■■On leather the surface should be wiped with a damp clean cloth.
■■A clean cotton rag or sponge should then be used to remove as much liquid as possible.