FIRE DAMAGED MATERIALS
In case of fire, all burned or charred materials will have to be removed
from the area before ventilation of smoke and air cleaning can be
effective. Those items obviously beyond salvage can be placed on book
trucks or in boxes or garbage bags and taken to another location
(preferably outside) for bibliographic control procedures. Those which
can be salvaged can be removed by book truck to the recovery area.
Binding Fire Damaged Books
Charred items which are to be rebound will need special handling before
being sent to the commercial bindery. Heckman Bindery has provided the
following instructions for sending fire damaged materials to be rebound:
1. Fire damaged materials should be boxed separately from other binding
shipments and marked accordingly.
2. Periodicals should be kept separate from monographs and brought to
the attention of Milner binding staff.
3. All charred or burned covers should be removed before shipment.
4. Be sure the call number is written on the verso of the title page.
5. Any book requiring special treatment (do not trim, specific buckram
color, etc.) should be brought to the attention of the Milner binding
staff.
Smoke and Soot Removal
If the only damage to books and papers is soot on the outside, it may be
possible to remove most of it by cleaning with a chemical sponge.
The chemical sponge does not contain chemicals which assist in the removal of dirt and odors; the name refers
to the process of manufacturing a sponge that is much more dense than
usual. The sponges can be cut down to fit the cleaner's hand, and can
be washed and reused several times.
To clean a book, hold the book tightly closed. Use a gentle stroking
motion in one direction away from the spine toward the fore edge on the
head and/or tail, and the same kind of technique on the fore edge, spine
and covers. Continue wiping until no more soot or debris can be removed
without damaging the surface area.
Deodorizing
Charcoal and/or baking soda can be used to deodorize fire-damaged
materials. Place charcoal briquettes and/or bowls of baking soda in the
area to absorb the odor. If a small number of books are affected, a
clean metal barbeque or similar container can be used. Spread
briquettes in the bottom and place books on a rack over them. Close the
lid and wait two or three days or until the smell can no longer be
detected. The thymol chamber can also be used for this purpose.
Ozone
Ozone can remove odors but must be used with care and should not be used
with books or papers that are wet or damp. Ozone can combine with water
molecules to form hydrogen peroxide (a bleach) and can cause
discoloration and weakening of some materials. Ozone will break down
cellulose (e.g. paper) molecules and cause them to age more quickly.
Ozone should not be used in occupied areas because high concentrations
can result in respiratory irritation.
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