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Pack and transport cultural heritage

URN: CCSCH5
Business Sectors (Suites): Cultural Heritage
Developed by: Creative & Cultural Skills
Approved on: 30 Mar 2022

Overview

​This standard is about packing and transporting cultural heritage. Cultural heritage can refer to objects that are on display or in storage or to components of historic buildings, structures, sites or settings. Objects could include artwork, artefacts, or specimens.  Transportation could be within buildings or between buildings which sometimes involves large distances, for example, when objects are acquired, borrowed or lent.

It includes using appropriate packaging and protective materials, labelling packages with handling and destination instructions, completing paperwork, using moving equipment and assembling loads and monitoring transportation routes for physical, environmental and security hazards.

This standard is for anyone who packs and transports cultural heritage.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. ​ensure the equipment, materials and people necessary to pack objects are available
  2. pack objects according to specified guidelines and procedures
  3. agree with all relevant people any departures from specified guidelines and procedures, and seek additional advice from specialists when required
  4. use protective materials and equipment that are appropriate to the conservation requirements of objects
  5. ensure packaging provides the agreed level of protection, environmental control and security for objects in their predicted environment and transport method
  6. mark packaging with clear and correct handling and destination instructions
  7. record accurate information relating to packing and transportation and pass it to appropriate people
  8. confirm the authority to transport items with all relevant people
  9. check that equipment used to transport objects is suitable for them and confirm its specification and availability with appropriate people
  10. assemble loads in a manner that assists loading, unloading and the protection of the items
  11. follow relevant handling guidelines and procedures at all times
  12. monitor transportation routes for physical, environmental and security constraints
  13. assess delivery requirements that cannot be met and agree alternative solutions with relevant people
  14. take prompt corrective action to minimise actual or potential hazards to objects
  15. keep all relevant documentation with objects at all times

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. ​who can authorise the packing of objects
  2. who and what is required to pack objects
  3. the specified guidelines and procedures for packing objects
  4. who are the people best able to provide advice on packing
  5. the protective materials and equipment that are available to meet the conservation requirements of objects
  6. the security considerations and environmental control requirements for objects
  7. how to mark packaging with details of handling and destination
  8. how different transport methods may affect the packing and security considerations of items including travel by air
  9. how to record information and pass it on to others
  10. handling procedures and guidelines
  11. methods of assembling loads that protect items whilst assisting loading and unloading
  12. how to monitor transportation routes
  13. how to identify and deal with actual and potential hazards
  14. documentation requirements relating to moving objects
  15. who to consult when delivery requirements cannot be met

Scope/range

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

30 Mar 2026

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Creative and Cultural Skills

Original URN

CCSCH55

Relevant Occupations

Archaeology and Archaeological Sciences, Artistic and Literary Occupations, Arts, Media and Publishing, Conservation Associate Professionals, Crafts, Creative Arts and Design, Elementary Goods Storage Occupations, Leisure and Travel Service Occupations, Leisure, Travel and Tourism, Managers in Distribution, Storage and Retailing, Media and Communication, Performing Arts, Publishing and Information Services, Transport Associate Professionals, Transport Drivers and Operatives, Transportation Operations and Maintenance, Warehouse and Distribution

SOC Code

2452

Keywords

collections; structures; components; artefacts; artwork; packaging; protection; transporting; cultural heritage;