I am looking for information in museum standards for fireproofing art
storage facilities.We are undergoing renovation in our museum storage and
have been told that the structural steel beams must be sprayed with a
fireproofing material to pass code. I am having a difficult time making
those in charge of the construction realize that different rules apply to
museum storage. I am concerned about the threat of the delamination of the
material in 5-10 years and the consequences that might have on the
artworks stored in that area.

I am told that the product they are planning on using is something called
"Cafko(?)". It sprays on and forms a hard ceramic-like shield that looks
like oatmeal (I realize that isn't terribly scientific). I do have the
chemical specs on the product but not at this desk.

I would be most interested in learning how other museums have dealt with
this issue, certainly someone has with the number of renovations and new
construction projects going on across the country. I would appreciate any
information or referrals that you could give.

Please send responses either to the listerv or directly to me at both
addresses:  [log in to unmask] and [log in to unmask]  (there has been some
problems with e-mail at the university lately and this guarantees I
receive your response.)

I thank you in advance.

Sincerely,

Gail Kana Anderson
Assistant Director/Curator of Collections
Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art/The University of Oklahoma