Note: The below includes basic advice on how to prepare for a modular fireproof vault system for historic documents in New England. Note, this is for discussion purposes only and specific project details should be addressed with Firelock or other experienced professionals.
Designing a fireproof vault for a historic New England museum to protect old documents requires careful consideration of both the preservation of the documents and the historical significance of the setting. Here are key steps and considerations for designing such a vault:
1. Consult with Preservation Experts:
– Begin by consulting with preservation experts, archivists, and conservators who specialize in the care and preservation of historical documents. They can provide valuable insights into the specific environmental conditions required to safeguard old documents.
2. Environmental Control:
– Maintain stable temperature and humidity levels within the vault to prevent deterioration of documents. The ideal conditions typically fall within a temperature range of 60-70°F (15-21°C) and a relative humidity range of 30-50%.
3. Fire Resistance:
– Ensure that the vault has a high fire resistance rating. This includes using fire-rated materials for walls, ceilings, and floors, as well as fireproof doors and seals. The fire resistance rating should meet or exceed local building codes and industry standards.
– Implement robust security measures to protect against theft and unauthorized access. Consider access control systems, surveillance cameras, alarms, and secure locking mechanisms. Security measures should be discreet to preserve the museum’s historical ambiance.
5. Custom Shelving and Storage Solutions:
– Design custom shelving and storage solutions to accommodate old documents of various sizes, formats, and fragility. Use acid-free archival shelving and storage materials to prevent degradation of documents.
6. Lighting:
– Implement low-intensity, UV-filtered lighting within the vault to provide adequate visibility without harming the documents. Lighting controls should be user-friendly and minimize heat production.
– Install an automatic fire suppression system designed for archival settings, such as a clean agent fire suppression system, which does not leave residue on documents.
8. Accessibility and Ease of Retrieval:
– Design the vault with accessibility in mind, ensuring that staff can easily retrieve documents as needed. Consider specialized equipment, such as document lifts or retrieval systems, to protect fragile items during handling.
9. Historical Aesthetics:
– Maintain the historical aesthetics of the museum by selecting finishes, materials, and design elements that blend with the museum’s architectural style. The vault should seamlessly integrate into the museum’s surroundings.
10. Regulatory Compliance:
– Ensure that the design and construction of the vault comply with local building codes and regulations, as well as any requirements related to historical preservation.
11. Consult with Local Authorities:
– Engage in discussions with local historical preservation authorities or organizations to ensure that the design aligns with the historical significance of the museum and meets any preservation guidelines.
12. Training and Documentation:
– Train museum staff in the proper handling and care of documents within the vault. Document all preservation protocols and procedures to maintain the historical accuracy of the collection.
13. Regular Monitoring and Maintenance:
– Implement a monitoring and maintenance plan to regularly assess the condition of documents and the vault’s environmental parameters. Make adjustments as needed to ensure document preservation.
14. Emergency Preparedness:
– Develop an emergency response plan for potential disasters, such as fires or floods, to protect the documents. This plan should include procedures for document evacuation and recovery.
Collaboration between architects, preservation experts, and historical preservation authorities is essential to create a fireproof vault that not only protects old documents but also respects the historical integrity of the museum. The design should strike a balance between preservation and presentation, allowing visitors to appreciate the historical documents while ensuring their long-term conservation.
FIRELOCK® provides these articles for information purposes only. We do not necessarily provide all products and services mentioned; they are for comparison purposes only. Always contact a professional about non-FIRELOCK® products and services mentioned.
About FIRELOCK®
Since 1982, FIRELOCK® has been the world’s leading manufacturer of media-rated modular vault chambers. Unlike poured-in-place concrete vaults, FIRELOCK® vaults are constructed from individual panels, filled with a heat-resistant ceramic material, and they are lightweight, movable, and expandable. When combined with current high-density storage systems, FIRELOCK® vaults offer extremely high space efficiency at a considerable cost advantage per cubic foot of storage. The value of assets stored in FIRELOCK® vaults today reaches hundreds of billions of dollars and ranges from priceless animation cells and World Wrestling Entertainment videos to pharmaceutical research records and U.S. Department of Education student loan information.
With a FIRELOCK® vault, you invest in the highest-performing vault on the market today to ensure the protection of your most vital records and irreplaceable items. You gain the ability to store microfilm, computer media, file servers, and paper in one location, as well as the peace of mind that comes from knowing that all the environmental- and fire-protection elements are in place.
2. Tempera