Dear Robert:

In relation to your inquiry about volunteer programs:

The Kitsap Museum utilizes museum volunteers on construction type projects
(we are in the midst of renovating a new building and building new permanent
exhibits) as well as for the usual docents, receptionists, research
assistants, and curatorial assistants.  I try to match the volunteers to a
task taking their skill level/area of interest into consideration.  In the
interview process, I ask them what they'd like to do, and I provide them
with a list of volunteer opportunites here at the museum. and let them
choose an area.  Some volunteers choose to work in more that one area.

As for the issue of safety, I have posted the mandatory Job Safety and
Health Protection posters, as well as posters on worker's rights, family
leave provisions, and aids awareness.  Our first aid kits are equiped with
rubber gloves, mouth shields for mouth-to-mouth recussitation, and candy for
diabetics.  During the application process, I have all volunteers fill out
an information sheet, so I am aware of their medical issues, and I can plan
their projects accordingly.  (It really is like being a human resource
specialist!)

Depending on what the volunteers are doing, I advise them on what to wear,
and what safety equipment they need to be using.

When I get volunteers from other sources like Americorp. DSHS job training
services, or the Work First program, I ask their coordinators what their
safety regulations are, I get them in writing, and I stick to them!

Pamela Kruse-Buckingham
Administrator
KCHS Museum

-----Original Message-----
From: Vaughan, Robert <[log in to unmask]>
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.museum-l
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wednesday, March 17, 1999 5:23 AM
Subject: Volunteer Training


>Hello everyone:
>
>
>I am the curator of the Smiths Falls Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario.
>
>I am looking for information, suggestions, discussion etc regarding
training
>of volunteers  working in an industrial setting.
>
>Volunteer tasks range from acting a a greeter at our front door to
operating
>a diesel locomotive and train (a huge range I admit)
>
>My philosophy is that, with appropriate training, all jobs should be
>available to all volunteers
>
>Some specific questions:
>
>Are there any museums that use outside agencies to certify their volunteers
>(one example is first aid training, are there others)
>
>On an industrial site what are your rules regarding safety clothing (a
>person working on track maintenance wears safety boots, hard hat etc., a
>person in the gift shop does not.  But what about a tour guide who may step
>up onto a car platform in the course of a tour?)
>
>What guidelines do museums have regarding the operation of historic
>equipment?  Railway rulebooks are useful for safety concerns, but they do
>not address conservation concerns.
>
>How long and intensive is your volunteer training?  Obviously it should
>cover the subject matter properly but too long and detailed a programme
>means that volunteers never complete their training.  One solution I am
>looking at is dividing training into stages.
>
>If of general interest please post to the group, if you want to send e-mail
>please send it to
>
>[log in to unmask]
>
>Our website is  www.magma.ca/~sfrm/
>
>
>Robert L. Vaughan
>Curator
>Smiths Falls Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario