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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Monitor environmental conditions
   • Monitor environmental conditions according to collection needs and identify agents of deterioration affecting collection material
   • Control and adjust environmental conditions within scope of own role
   • Report serious or complex problems to relevant colleagues
2. Assess condition of collection material
   • Examine and assess condition of collection material in the appropriate location, applying knowledge of deterioration patterns
   • Review documentation and record current condition of collection items
   • Consult experts for advice where necessary
3. Undertake preventive conservation
   • Implement preventive conservation activities according to organisational policies and procedures and within required timeframes
   • Research and apply best practice guidelines, cultural protocols, updated knowledge of preservation issues and techniques, and specialist conservation advice
   • Identify the need for assistance and consult with a specialist conservator in relation to more complex issues that arise in collection care
4. Finalise basic preservation activities
   • Ensure conserved collection material is returned to original location where required
   • Communicate conservation activity and any associated learnings with colleagues
   • Complete records of preservation and preventive conservation activities in an appropriate format

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

identify changes in the condition of collection material and take appropriate routine preventive action to protect collection material from damage and potential hazards and to conserve material

identify agents of deterioration and assess their impact on collections in a timely manner

apply basic conservation techniques and methods that reflect current industry methods when handling equipment, tools and materials during routine examination and conservation of collection material

demonstrate a collaborative approach to the discussion of issues, new techniques and current approaches to conservation

record and report preservation and preventive conservation activities.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

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Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

describe the roles of personnel responsible for care of cultural material, including the roles of conservators and unqualified personnel

identify sources of expert assistance on collection care

describe the role of preventive conservation in relation to collections

describe the critical factors contributing to deterioration of collections

clarify the distinction between preservation, conservation and restoration

discuss the application of cultural considerations and protocols for the handling, storage and display of collection material

describe methods of protecting collection material from damage and potential hazards.

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