National Occupational Standards in
Archaeological Practice

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AC7 Transfer items

AC7.1 Identify the handling requirements of an item

Performance Required

This will involve:

1. Obtaining all available information on the condition of the item
2. Obtaining information on the conservation and environmental needs of the item
3. Identifying and assessing any risks of damage to or deterioration of the item arising from handling and moving the item
4. Identifying and assessing any risks to handlers arising from handling and moving the item
5. Identifying the materials required to protect the item
6. Identifying and obtaining the necessary equipment, and assessing its ability to handle the item safely
7. Testing handling methods for their effectiveness before implementing them
8. Basing recommendations on whether the item should be moved on consultation with relevant specialists and an analysis of all significant factors
9. Ensuring packing and handling procedures will not prejudice subsequent scientific examination
10. Ensuring that schedules for the collection, transportation and delivery of items is in accordance with specifications

Occupational Context

1. Handling items
   • stable
   • unstable
   • specific analytical requirements
2. Moving items
   • on-site
   • off-site.

Knowledge Requirements

You need to know and understand how to:

• Check the identity and condition of different types of item
• Obtain information on the conservation needs of the item and potential risks of damage to or deterioration of it

You need to know about:

• The materials that are suitable and available for encasing the item
• The type of equipment that is suitable and available for moving the item
• Appropriate and available handling methods, and how these can be tested
• When to consult expert advice

Required Skills

You should demonstrate:

• How to test handling methods

Evidence Required

You should provide evidence that you can identify the handling requirements of an item

The candidate should be questioned, based upon the documentation provided, to explore how they

• Identify the handling requirements of items that are stable and unstable, and items being moved on-site and off-site

Evidence Rules

• The candidate should produce evidence of transferring both stable and unstable items on at least two contrasting sites

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Today's date: 31/7/2010
This page last updated: 6/8/2007 11:58