STANDARD 17: Fire and Water Damage Prevention

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STANDARD 17: Fire and Water Damage Prevention
Appropriate prevention measures must protect objects from the risk of fire and water damage

[Placeholder Introduction: Brief discussion of fire and water damage needed.]
The occurrence of both fire and water damage can be sudden and catastrophic. Fire can result in the outright loss of objects or damage from smoke. Water damage, similarly, can be irreversible. Although the threat of fire or flooding can come from outside the exhibit building, it more often results from system failures within the building itself, such as leaking pipes or faulty wiring. The risks of fire and water damage can be minimized by providing controls such as detection systems, alarms, and sprinklers, by carrying out adequate building maintenance, and by avoiding design elements that will exacerbate risk, such as placing objects in the path of sprinkler heads, creating displays close to the floor, or blocking smoke detectors. Policies such as an emergency plan and training staff in the use of fire extinguishers are also important preventative measures.

Guideline 17.1: Hardware is used to protect objects from fire and water damage

What hardware is available to reduce the danger of fire and water damage?

Guideline 17.2: Museum Policies are instituted to protect against fire and water damage

What policies can help protect objects from fire and water damage?

What staff training can help protect objects from fire and water damage?

Guideline 17.3: Exhibit design strategies are used to protect objects against fire and water damage

What design features help to protect objects from fire and water damage?

Guideline: 17.4: The exhibit’s electrical wiring and fixtures do not compromise object safety

What precautions should be taken to ensure electrical fixtures, lighting, and wiring will not pose a fire hazard?