This unit applies to individuals who have significant knowledge of preservation issues and may be involved in the application of basic preservation techniques with the involvement of a professional conservator.

The content of this unit relates to work that has a significant impact on Australia's cultural heritage and care must be taken to ensure appropriate implementation of the unit.

Any individual or organisation planning to undertake training and/or assessment of this unit must therefore consult with an appropriately qualified conservator or conservation organisation. The Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material is the recognised professional body in this area.

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1

Develop preservation skills and knowledge

1.1

Seek and access opportunities to develop, update and maintain knowledge of preservation issues and concepts

1.2

Integrate knowledge into work activities within scope of individual responsibility

2

Undertake basic preservation activities

2.1

Undertake basic preservation activities within scope of responsibility as agreed with a conservator and in accordance with organisational plans and policies

2.2

Correctly apply techniques in a manner which maintains the integrity of the cultural material

2.3

Record data generated in the course of activities clearly and accurately in the appropriate format

2.4

Follow health, safety and environmental requirements at all times

2.5

Ensure that ethical and cultural protocols are adhered to at all times

Required skills

learning skills to undertake ongoing professional development and acquisition of knowledge around preservation issues and concepts

literacy skills to interpret conservation plans, to research conservation information, document and to report on condition of cultural material.

Required knowledge

distinction between preservation, conservation and restoration

basic preservation principles and methods

principles and methods for handling cultural material

available sources of appropriate expert advice

AICCM Code of Ethics and Code of Practice

copyright, moral rights and intellectual property legislation and issues that impact on conservation

cultural protocols that impact on conservation of cultural material, including those for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander material

role of a conservator and of a person working under the guidance of a conservator, including the scope of work undertaken by each and rationale for this

requirements for safe work and manual handling

formats and features of conservation plans, object condition reports.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

sound general knowledge of preservation techniques relevant to the collection/industry sector

understanding of conservation ethics and cultural protocols, including limitations on the scope of work to be undertaken

practical demonstration of competent and safe techniques working on one or more items under the guidance of a conservator.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to cultural material

access to equipment, materials and tools used in basic preservation activities.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate

assessment of cultural material on which the candidate has worked

direct observation of the candidate using techniques

evaluation of candidate's responses to different collection scenarios to assess ability to develop approaches for different preservation needs and articulate different challenges and issues to be considered

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of different techniques and procedures.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

CULMS009B Implement preventive conservation activities.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Opportunities to develop, update and maintain knowledgeof preservation issues and concepts may include:

research

attendance at seminars, workshops

membership of professional organisations

using conservator as a mentor

reading current journals, newsletters and electronic discussion lists

Basic preservation activities will vary depending on the type of cultural material, but may include:

surface cleaning

designing/making storage enclosures and display supports

attaching backboards to paintings

creating hanging systems for paintings

mounting and framing

Activities must be undertaken in accordance with advice from a specialist conservator to avoid potential damage to cultural material.

Organisational plans and policies vary in structure and name but may include:

preservation plans

conservation plans

collection management policies

disaster preparedness policies

Cultural material is defined as 'objects, collections, artworks, specimens, structures or sites' and includes:

archaeological material

books and manuscripts

cultural sites/buildings

ethnographic material

flora and fauna

film/audiovisual material

furniture

photographs

technological/industry items

textiles

works on paper/canvas

Health, safety and environmental requirements may relate to:

use of chemicals or other toxic substances

storage of chemicals

provision and use of safety equipment

safe manual handling

safe use of tools and equipment

reporting of occupational health and safety issues, including events and near misses

impact on other parts of the collection

toxic and hazardous materials in a collection

condition/stability of item (dirt, mould, dust and pesticides)

Cultural protocols may relate to:

who can handle the cultural material

where an item may be handled

when an item may be handled

consultation on potential treatments

storage requirements

appearance of the item

relationship between item and other material in the collection

methods and approaches to display

Preventive Conservation

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills. The Employability Skills Summary for the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged, will assist in identifying Employability Skills requirements.