I completely agree with Russ.

We recently have packed and moved our collection to a new building.  We 
already had our local EOD (Explosive Ordiance Detionation team) in our 
collection space for a few live rounds, cannon balls and other items.  While 
we packed our collection we found about a dozen items.  They made a prompt 
visit with all of their computers, x-ray machines and sniffers and looked 
through the rest of our collection.  They did stamp INERT in orange on items 
they cleared.  They did take some live WWII ammo that was damaged and 
corroding.  They have returned everthing else.  It also is good to befriend 
the local HAZMAT team.  We had found a barometer made of wood that has 
expanded and leaked the mercury out.  We contained the area, but Hazmat did 
have to come in to remove the mercury and to check the air levels of our 
collection storage.  We refused to let them take the object, so they cleaned 
it in house using a bit of adhesive putty to pull the mercury out of some 
cracks.

Please don't try any of this yourself, call the professionals!


Marielle



**********************
Marielle Fortier
Museum Registrar
Northfield, Vermont
**********************





>From: Russ Arledge <[log in to unmask]>
>Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: Disposal of Gun Powder
>Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2007 11:47:27 -0400
>
>Hi All,
>
>
>
>I have been following this thread with great interest and I cannot
>emphasize enough how you should develop a working relationship with your
>local bomb-squad. Over the years I have called the bomb-squad more than
>once, and believe me, they don't want to be on the 6 o'clock news
>anymore than you do. I call them directly and explain the situation and
>they always respond immediately (without lights and sirens), quickly,
>and professionally deal with the situation, and contrary to popular
>belief, they do not have to always destroy your object.
>
>
>
>The last time I called was for a Civil War 12-pounder cannon shell that
>appeared to have the fuse intact. When they arrived, they said I was
>rightly concerned as static could indeed set the thing off. They
>explained how they would take shell to their bomb disposal facility and
>place a shaped charge on the outside of the shot and attempt to blow a
>pencil-size diameter hole in it. If it was full of powder it would
>completely explode and probably be destroyed, if it was empty or
>partially full it may survive the blast. They called the next day and
>said I could come pick it up. It now has a 1cm hole in the side, but
>otherwise undamaged. They said when they set off the charge they
>observed black smoke rising from the explosion pit, which indicated the
>shell had some powder inside, but not enough to destroy the shell.
>
>
>
>I then set up an appointment for them to bring their equipment to our
>Collections Storage Facility to examine the rest of our stored ordinance
>collection. They were very willing to come as they regarded the
>examination as a training opportunity to examine objects they were
>familiar with, and some they had not seen before. With portable x-ray
>machines, sniffers, and all manner of equipment they examined all
>(several hundred objects) and declared them to be safe. We did find some
>live WWI rifle ammo that appeared damaged, which they agreed to take and
>dispose of.
>
>
>
>So before anyone decides to experiment with home-brew disposal methods,
>give your local bomb-squad a call. They are the experts, and I'm sure
>they will be very willing to help.
>
>
>
>Best wishes,
>
>
>
>Russ
>
>
>
>Russell P. Arledge
>
>Collections Facility Manager
>
>Collections, Historic Preservation & Statewide Outreach
>
>The Ohio Historical Society
>
>1982 Velma Avenue
>
>Columbus, Ohio 43211-2497, USA
>
>614.298.2051 // Fax: 614.298.2096
>
>e-mail: mailto:[log in to unmask]
>
>Visit our Web site: http://www.ohiohistory.org/
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>________________________________
>
>From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
>Behalf Of Rosie DiVernieri
>Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2007 11:26 AM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Disposal of Gun Powder
>
>
>
>Hi Everyone,
>
>
>
>I was wondering if anyone has had any experience in disposing of old gun
>powder?
>
>
>
>Feel free to reply off list.
>
>
>
>Thanks,
>
>Rosie DiVernieri
>
>Collections Coordinator
>
>Chemical Heritage Foundation
>
>
>
>________________________________
>
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