David-
Thanks for the reply. I actually have no intention to use the lamp as a light source, I simply need to process and accession the lamp. But, with the kerosene oil in the lamp, I am not sure how to do so safely and rid/dispose of the oil without harming the lamp (or myself). Any other suggestions? 

________________________________

From: Museum discussion list on behalf of David Harvey
Sent: Fri 7/28/2006 11:46 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Kerosene Lamp-- to empty or not to empty?



As a professional conservator my opinion is that there is just too
much risk to have a flamable/accelerant such as kerosene present
within a collection or a historic or museum structure that is open to
the public, not to mention spaces that are frequented by staff.

To use a reproduction lamp in a living history context with trained
staff there to monitor and properly tend the lamp is one thing, but to
leave it sitting and unattended is another.

A battle that I constantly fought was the use of wax candles in
historic structures for living history programs. Real candles drip on
everything around and they can corrode brass and stain textiles, and
are a very real fire hazzard. There are plenty of realistic
alternatives to both candles and other historic light sources that are
available (see the special issue of the APT Journal on Lighting in
Historic Structures, 1999)

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, California

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).



=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).