Working Principles & Draft Specification - Transition Works Blake Museum to 31 March 2009

Principles

Minor Works only; special character of Listed Building to be preserved or enhanced; to follow best conservation practice (SPAB, EH guidelines); to be reversible as far as practicable; to use appropriate, high-quality materials to a fine standard of finish. Works to be inspected by SDC FM as appropriate. Risk assessments of volunteer workplace activities to be made in conjunction with SDC staff before activity commences.

Scope

Minor Works limited to ground floor rooms. Essential minor repairs elsewhere.

Electrical

Disconnexions by experienced Friend only. New and replacement work to be carried out to BS7671:2008 (IEE Wiring Regulations, 17th Edition). Final connexions to circuits or active subcircuits only to be made after testing & inspection by SDC to GD3. Low-energy fittings and luminaires to be used in replacement work. Services runs to be concealed wherever possible & to follow guidance in SPAB Technical Pamphlet 9. Trunking and fittings to be removed where currently obscuring or adversely affecting historic features as minor works proceed.

Joinery

The guidance within EH Georgian Joinery 1640-1820 in treatment & repair will be followed if practicable, using like-for-like timber materials and appropriate techniques such as scribing. Where minor repairs to door and window furniture are made the guidance of EH Door & Window Furniture (Framing Opinions 2) will be adopted. Stainless steel or brass screws (slotted if visible) should be used wherever practicable in preference to plated or ferrous. If to be near museum objects, composites (e.g. plywood, mdf ) shall be avoided: upon seeking advice, seasoned yellow pine or spruce might be used,

Painting & decorating

Existing paints will not generally be removed. If both considered lead-free and necessary, the guidance of SPAB IS5 will be followed in removal. Hot work will not be permitted.

Dulux Heritage Trade colours will be employed. Walls shall be in Flat Matt, and existing glossed timber excluding framing beams shall be in oil-based Satinwood. Preparation shall be in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Fillers shall be appropriate for the substrate. For door frames, mouldings and windows sash brushes shall be employed. Walls may be painted by brush or roller. Cutting-in shall be by hand wherever possible, to avoid lifting of previous treatments by masking tape.

Display Cases and Exhibits; Museum Security

Work shall be planned and carried out in accordance with the recommendations of BISA http://www.bisa.co.uk "Safeguarding Museum Exhibits". Museum display cases are not to be repainted without approval.

Version 1.0 PEC 11 January 2009