Phyllis Oppenheim wrote:
>... Could some of the subscribers let me know if you have put floor drains
>in your vaults, and if it has been successful or not. Also if you have not
>used a drain, why not? Thanks so much for your help.

Phyllis:

I think the right decision will be based on your particular circumstances.
What kind of fire suppression system do you have?
What is under the vault?
What does your insurance company say?
Is there an alternative for drainage?
Are your materials elevated off the floor?
Are insects and vermin a possible problem?

I can only add that most (but not all) of the vaults I've seen have floor
drains. While we are at it, will you have provision for ventilating the
room in case of fire? (Afterwards, of course.)
The National Fire Protection Ass. code for fur storage vaults was clear in
it's demands for floor drains and ventilation, along with specialized
lighting and fire resistant doors, walls, etc., but the Fur Storage
committee no longer exists.

js
Jerry Shiner
Keepsafe Systems
Supplies and Solutions for Microclimate and Oxygen-free storage
www.keepsafe.ca
toll-free phone: (800) 683-4696  local phone: (416) 703-4696 fax: (416)
703-5991
Object and Textile Conservation Services Ltd.

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